Washington, D.C.– Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement regarding the death of a Georgetown University sophomore, Andrea Jaime, who had contracted Meningitis B. Earlier this year, Paulsen penned an op-ed in the Star Tribune about the need to approve a vaccine to prevent Meningitis B. In addition, he traveled to Canada last month to receive a Meningitis B vaccination:

“I'm saddened to learn that a sophomore at Georgetown University has passed away from Meningitis B. My thoughts and prayers are with Andrea’s family at this time.

“What makes this even more heartbreaking is that this death could have been prevented. Last month, I traveled to Canada with Alicia Stillman – who lost her daughter from this disease – and received a vaccination that prevents contraction of the Meningitis B bacteria. Despite being approved in 34 different countries, American students still cannot receive this vaccine in the United States.

“If the FDA continues to drag its feet, college students and others will continue to be at risk of contracting this bacteria with grave consequences. No other parent should have to live the nightmare of losing a child from this preventable disease.”

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov. 

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