Washington, D.C.– Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement regarding the death of a San Diego State University student, Sara Stelzer, who passed away after contracting Meningitis B. Her death follows the September passing of a Georgetown student from the disease. Paulsen has advocated for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to speed up the approval process for vaccines that would prevent individuals from contracting Meningitis B. One vaccine has already been approved in 34 different countries including Canada and Australia. College students are at elevated risk of contracting Meningitis B, and the FDA has already allowed students at Princeton and U.C. Santa Barbara to receive vaccinations. However, the agency hasn’t approved vaccinations on a widespread basis.

Congressman Paulsen wrote an opinion piece earlier this year warning that not approving the Meningitis B vaccine could lead to deaths on college campuses. In addition, Congressman Paulsen traveled to Canada in August to receive a Meningitis B vaccination:

“I’m saddened to learn that another life has been taken from us far too soon as the result of contracting Meningitis B. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Sara Stelzer during this extremely difficult time. I can’t imagine the pain they are going through right now.

“Once again, we’re seeing the unnecessary loss of a young life. A vaccine has been developed that prevents contraction of Meningitis B and has received approval in Canada, Australia, and the European Union. Despite being available this fall for those enrolled at Princeton, students at other U.S. colleges have not been able to protect themselves due to foot-dragging at the FDA.

“The sad fact is we know that the longer the FDA continues to let red tape stand in the way of approving Meningitis B vaccinations, the more young men and women will die from this bacteria. The FDA can’t afford to sit on its hands any longer. It’s time to protect our children.”

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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