Aria, of Berks County, died earlier in June after a rare and severe meningitis infection despite being fully vaccinated, according to her family. Just days later, another child — Ruby Lutz of Morrisville (Bucks County) — was diagnosed with viral meningitis and encephalitis. Ruby survived, but the illness robbed her of the ability to talk, walk, or do daily tasks. She remains in rehabilitation at CHOP.
GSK, a vaccine manufacturer, issued a statement to Daily Voice in response to the coverage of the children’s situations. In it, the company stresses that meningitis remains a rare but devastating disease and emphasizes the need for complete vaccination coverage, especially against all five preventable serogroups — A, B, C, W, and Y.
“About 1 in 10 people who get meningitis will die, and 1 in 5 survivors suffer long-term consequences including limb amputation, brain damage, and hearing loss,” GSK said.
‘Ask2BSure’ Campaign
GSK is urging parents to participate in its Ask2BSure public health campaign, which encourages families to talk to their teen’s doctor about vaccination status and risks. According to CDC data from 2023 shared by GSK, only 13% of 17-year-olds in the U.S. had received both doses of the meningitis B vaccine — leaving many partially protected…