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Lynn Bozof describes losing her son to meningococcal meningitis. “He had both arms, both legs amputated. He lost his kidney function, liver function…Evan’s hands and legs were black and charred like they had been burned, and the only way to save his life was to do those amputations.”
Just 26 days earlier, Evan was healthy. He was playing baseball in college and living in a dorm. Lynn says, “You’re really in shock because your mind can’t absorb that this is happening. In a way, you’re almost looking at it from a distance because you had this healthy person. And now he’s lying in a bed connected to machines with a disease you don’t understand.”
Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial infection. Dr. Nancy Rosenstein, of the Centers for Disease Control says, “Meningococcal disease is one of the few remaining infectious diseases in the United States where someone can be perfectly healthy one day, and then dead within 24-48 hours.”
The disease left Evan Bozof brain dead. His family decided to turn off the machines. Lynn says, “We watched them disconnect the tubes, we saw the machines flat line. We watched them put him in a body bag and take our son away.”
Meningococcal disease is rare, but it can spread in the close conditions of a boarding school or a college dorm. Dr. Rosenstein says, “College freshman who live in dorms are at higher risk for meningococcal disease. About two thirds of those cases can be prevented if that child gets vaccinated with this new vaccine.”
The new vaccine is called Menactra. According to the CDC, it is more effective and longer lasting than the old vaccine. Dr. Rosenstein says, “The meningococcal vaccine is very safe. You can’t get meningococcal disease from the vaccine. And really the most common side effect is a sore arm.”
Lynn Bozof says, “It’s just a horrible, horrible disease. And so many times, by the time the doctor realizes what it is, you are fighting a losing battle. And that’s why it’s so important that you protect yourself on the front end… If I had any children still at home, they would have this vaccine, just no doubt about it. To me, it’s going to be a life saver.”
The CDC has just announced new guidelines to protect kids against meningococcal disease. The CDC recommends all 11 and 12 year olds, and all kids about to enter either high school or college be vaccinated. |
