Before starting sixth grade 11-year-old Erika Parjus received a meningococcal vaccine, which used to be given to people before beginning college.

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"They're trying to give it to all middle school-starting children, 11 to 12 years of age," Sofia Kahn, MD, of Pediatric Associates said.

The vaccine offers lifetime protection against meningococcal disease. There are 1,400 to 2,800 cases a year in the U.S. The most common forms of the bacterial disease are meningitis and blood infection.

"Although it's very rare, it's extremely serious and deadly," Kahn said. "The disease process happens over hours."

That's how Lynn Bozof lost her son.

"Nine years ago I had a healthy, 20-year-old honors student, junior in college, college baseball player, everything was going just the way it should for your child," Bozof said.

To prevent tragic cases, the Center for Disease Control recommends the vaccine for everyone ages 11 to 18.

"We are trying to protect the whole population that is at the highest risk for this very serious illness," Kahn said.

However, some worry the vaccine could possibly increase the risk of GBS, a neurological disorder.

The CDC looked at 17 reported cases where symptoms started two to 33 days after vaccination. It continues to investigate, but still recommends immunization because there's no question about the risks of meningoccal disease.

"I ended up in the hospital for three months," meningococcal disease survivor, Amy Purdy, said. "Less than 2 percent chance of survival. I had to have both of my legs below the knee amputated."

Click here for the CDC's revised recommendations on immunization.