Child vaccine schedule changes could set back protection for meningococcal disease | Opinion
As a proud representative of the people of Georgia and a member of the House Committee on Public Health, I have always prioritized the well-being of our communities, particularly the health of our children. That is why I am concerned about the proposed changes to the meningococcal vaccination schedule being considered by policymakers on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Meningitis is a serious and potentially deadly disease that causes inflammation of tissue around the brain and spinal cord. Adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable to meningitis, given that the disease is spread through “social” activities that are common during adolescence like intimate contact and sharing drinks.
Fortunately, in the mid-2000s, routine recommendations were established, which resulted in almost 90% of 11-12 year olds being protected from meningitis. The current vaccination schedule, which includes an initial dose at ages 11-12 followed by a dose at age 16, has proven to be highly effective in reducing the incidence of meningitis among adolescents.
However, the proposed removal of the initial dose of the meningococcal vaccine at ages 11-12 threatens to undermine the progress we have made in protecting our children from this devastating illness. If the initial dose is removed, we risk the chance that our children never receiving this immunization. Vaccination coverage rates for younger adolescents is 89%, but for older adolescents it is 61%. This drop off can be attributed to the fact that during ages 11-12, parents and guardians oversee medical care that children receive, while older adolescents are less likely to comply with routine visits and recommendations.
Furthermore, the proposed change to the vaccination schedule would have a disproportionate impact on communities of color. Data from the CDC consistently shows that minority populations are more likely to experience higher rates of vaccine-preventable diseases, including meningitis. By altering the vaccination schedule, we risk widening existing health disparities and putting vulnerable populations at even greater risk.
As policymakers, it is our duty to prioritize the health and safety of all Georgians, regardless of their race or socioeconomic status. We must listen to the evidence and the experts who warn against the potential consequences of changing the meningococcal vaccination schedule. Maintaining the current schedule is not only a matter of public health but also an issue of equity and justice.
I urge the ACIP and CDC to reconsider these proposed changes to the meningococcal vaccination schedule and to keep the best interests of our children and communities at heart. Let us continue to work together to ensure that every child, adolescent and young adult in Georgia has access to life-saving vaccines and the opportunity to thrive.
Rep. Teddy Reese is a Georgia lawmaker representing House District 140 in western Georgia.