UCSB: CDC will make meningitis B vaccine available ‘if the circumstances of this outbreak warrant its use’
Just as the vaccine clinics at Princeton opened this Monday to immunize undergraduates and select others against the outbreak strain of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) addressed the issue of the use of the unlicensed vaccine at their campus.
In addition, at least one article reported that parents of students at the University of California, Santa Barbara are asking why the vaccine hasn’t been made available to them.
“The University has been providing the currently approved vaccine to students and has urged all students to check their records and get a booster if they have not had their most recent dose at age 16 or above. Unfortunately, the approved vaccine is not effective in preventing the serogroup B strain found in the recent UCSB cases”, they said Monday.
Then comparing the situation at UCSB to Princeton, they note, “CDC will work to make the serogroup B meningococcal vaccine available at UCSB if the circumstances of this outbreak warrant its use. While this option is being used at Princeton University, it is important to understand that each outbreak is unique and expanding access for use of a vaccine that is not licensed in the United States requires careful deliberation every time it is considered.
” The decision to use serogroup B vaccine is a multi-step process, and that process is currently underway. The steps being taken at UCSB are similar to those that took place in advance of the decision to vaccinate at Princeton. Samples of the bacteria have been sent for testing to ensure that the vaccine would protect against the strain causing the outbreak at UCSB.”
“We remain in constant contact with the CDC and local public health officials, who are monitoring the situation at Princeton and UC Santa Barbara closely. If the CDC determines it is necessary to pursue the unlicensed vaccine, the University will work closely with public health officials to move forward.”
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[…] poised to recommend meningitis vaccine at UCSB, but no shots yetNBCNews.comKTXL -The Global Dispatchall 206 news […]
[…] poised to recommend meningitis vaccine at UCSB, but no shots yetNBCNews.comKTXL -The Global Dispatchall 206 news […]
[…] poised to recommend meningitis vaccine at UCSB, but no shots yetNBCNews.comKTXL -The Global Dispatchall 206 news […]
Our hearts and support go out to those affected by the terrible effects of meningitis. The Meningitis Foundation of America offers extensive information regarding diagnosis, immunization, recovery and the after effects of meningitis. MFA survives primarily by donations. For the past 16 years, we have assisted people through support groups, resources and advocacy in efforts to help those affected with meningitis overcome and those around them understand the journey ahead. We promote prevention and safety measure in at risk communities and help explain the short term, long term effects and recovery treatments of meningitis to the media and public at large. Meningitis is a dangerous & often times fatal infection that can lead to serious life-long physical problems and even death. We are here to provide emotional support to those who need it; please feel free to reach out to us at http://www.musa.org and [email protected]
Daisi Pollard Sepúlveda-Low
National President
Meningitis Foundation of America, Inc.
World Meningitis Day 24 April
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