New Vaccine Could Potentially Prevent Meningitis and Save Lives
Patti Wukovits, a nurse from Long Island, still grieves the loss of her daughter, Kimberly Coffey, who tragically passed away from meningitis in 2012. Kimberly had received the recommended MenACWY vaccine, but it did not protect against the strain of meningitis that claimed her life. Wukovits was left confused and devastated.
Meningococcal disease, which includes meningitis, is a rare but life-threatening illness caused by the neisseria meningitidis bacteria. It can result in severe infections in the brain, spinal cord, and bloodstream, leading to long-term complications or death. Antibiotics can treat the infection, but early diagnosis is crucial.
Currently, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends meningococcal vaccines for preteens, teens, and certain adults. There are two types of vaccines available: the MenACWY vaccine, which protects against four strains of meningococcal bacteria, and the MenB vaccine, which protects against the strain that killed Kimberly Coffey.
However, receiving both vaccines necessitates several shots, causing confusion and potentially reducing vaccination rates. Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company, has developed a new pentavalent meningococcal vaccine called Penbraya, which protects against five strains of meningococcal bacteria. This new vaccine offers broad protection with fewer shots, potentially simplifying the vaccination process and increasing overall vaccine coverage.
The CDC’s independent vaccine advisors recently recommended Pfizer’s pentavalent meningococcal vaccine, recognizing its potential to prevent cases like that of Kimberly Coffey. The vaccine is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and will be available for individuals aged 16 to 23 who are healthy, as well as those aged 10 and older at an increased risk of meningococcal disease. The recommended schedule includes two doses, administered six months apart.
Patti Wukovits, who serves as the executive director of the Kimberly Coffey Foundation, expressed her gratitude for this development. She believes it has the potential to change the landscape of meningitis vaccinations and hopes for easy access to the new vaccine.
The addition of this simpler vaccine option aims to increase vaccination rates, as currently only 30% of 17-year-olds receive even one dose of the available vaccines. Committee members acknowledged the complexity of the current vaccination schedule and believe that simplifying it could yield positive outcomes.
While some committee members voiced their desire for broader recommendations, acknowledging the benefit of existing vaccines, overall, the committee saw the pentavalent meningococcal vaccine as a step in the right direction. However, the CDC still needs to accept the committee’s recommendation and make it official.
The potential for a new vaccine to prevent meningitis and save lives is significant. With fewer shots and broader protection, individuals like Kimberly Coffey may have a fighting chance against this deadly disease.