The heart-wrenching story of Patti Wukovits and her daughter Kimberly Coffey serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of meningitis. Despite following the recommended guidelines and ensuring her daughter’s vaccination, Kimberly contracted meningitis B, a strain not covered by the existing vaccine. However, there may be hope on the horizon with the recent recommendation of Pfizer’s new pentavalent meningococcal vaccine, Penbraya, which offers protection against five different types of bacteria. This new vaccine could potentially provide broader protection against meningococcal disease with fewer shots.
Meningococcal disease, which includes meningitis, is a rare but serious illness caused by the neisseria meningitidis bacteria. It can lead to severe infections in the brain and spinal cord lining, resulting in long-term medical problems or even death. Unfortunately, the symptoms of meningitis can be easily mistaken for other common illnesses like Covid-19 or the flu, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Early detection is crucial, as antibiotics can effectively fight the bacteria if administered promptly.
Kimberly’s tragic case highlights the highly contagious nature of meningococcal disease. The bacteria can spread through close contact or the sharing of bodily fluids, making outbreaks particularly devastating in places like schools and dormitories. In fact, more than 50 college campuses in the US have reported cases of meningococcal disease between 2013 and 2019.
The current vaccination recommendations from the CDC include two types of meningococcal vaccines. The MenACWY vaccine protects against four common groups of the bacteria, while the MenB vaccine targets the strain that caused Kimberly’s death. However, not everyone receives both vaccines, and current vaccination schedules involve multiple shots over several years.
Fortunately, the recent approval of Pfizer’s pentavalent meningococcal vaccine offers a promising alternative. This vaccine covers serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y, providing broad protection against the majority of meningococcal disease cases in young people. It reduces the number of shots required, with a two-dose series recommended for individuals aged 16 to 23 or those at an increased risk for the disease.
The CDC’s independent vaccine advisers overwhelmingly supported the recommendation for Pfizer’s new vaccine. Patti Wukovits, Executive Director of the Kimberly Coffey Foundation, which educates people about meningitis, testified during the meeting and expressed her hope that access to the vaccine would be made as easy as possible. The vaccine has the potential to revolutionize meningitis vaccinations and improve vaccination rates.
The committee’s decision to simplify the vaccination schedule and provide broader protection was well-received by members. It is hoped that this new option will increase vaccination coverage and ultimately reduce the complexity surrounding meningococcal disease prevention. The CDC will now need to officially accept the committee’s recommendation for the new vaccine.
