Washington, D.C.– Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) released the following statement after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) approved a ‘permissive’ recommendation for Meningitis B (MenB) vaccines. Paulsen and Senator Al Franken (MN) recently led a letter asking for consideration of a broader ‘universal’ recommendation for the vaccines.

“While today’s ACIP vote to allow teens and young adults to receive MenB vaccinations is progress, we still know that students will continue to be susceptible to this deadly bacteria without more action,” said Paulsen. “The heartbreaking testimony presented at the hearing shows that for many, the first time they learn about Meningitis B is after they’ve already contracted the disease. I urge ACIP and the CDC to continue the progress they made today and further increase access to these life-saving vaccinations.”

Previously, only students at colleges with an outbreak were able to access Meningitis B vaccines and protect themselves against the disease. The permissive recommendation allows those most at risk of contracting MenB – young adults between the ages 16-23 – the ability to receive vaccinations in consultation with their physicians and will likely reduce regulatory and financial burdens. However, Congressman Paulsen and Senator Franken were seeking consideration of a broader recommendation where the CDC would advise vaccinations for at-risk age groups.

Paulsen has previously raised concerns that bureaucratic red tape is putting young adults at risk from the deadly Meningitis B bacteria after several outbreaks at college campuses. Last summer, he accompanied Alicia Stillman to Canada to personally receive a MenB vaccine – highlighting the fact that vaccines had not been cleared in the U.S. despite being approved in 34 different countries. Alicia’s daughter, Emily, passed away in 2013 after contracting MenB.

Congressman Paulsenis co-chair of both the House Wellness Caucus and the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov. 

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