The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians (OAFP) is pleased to welcome GSK as its newest Partner in Health!
GSK is a focused biopharma company. GSK prevents and treats disease with specialty medicines, vaccines, and general medicines. GSK focuses on the science of the immune system and advanced technologies, investing in four core therapeutic areas – respiratory, immunology, and inflammation; oncology; and HIV and infectious diseases – to impact health at scale. GSK’s Ahead Together strategy means intervening early to prevent and change the course of disease, helping to protect people and support healthcare systems. Visit the GSK website to learn more.
Spotlight on Meningococcal Disease: Why Vaccination Matters
As part of GSK’s partnership, we are highlighting education on meningococcal disease, a serious but preventable illness. The information shared below was curated from a handout provided by GSK.
- Although uncommon, meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, sometimes within just 24 hours, and may be fatal despite treatment
- Among those infected, 10–15% die even with antibiotics, and 11–19% of survivors may experience lasting effects such as seizures, hearing loss, kidney damage, limb loss, or skin scarring
- Around 5–10% of adults carry the bacteria asymptomatically, which can spread through coughing, kissing, sharing food or drinks, or spending time in close quarters.
- Between 2017–21, meningococcal group B (MenB) accounted for more than 50% of cases of meningococcal disease among adolescents and young adults aged 16–23
- Risk peaks between ages 18–20, a time when many are living in dorms, attending college, or working in close settings.
CDC Vaccine Guidance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends MenB vaccination for adolescents and young adults ages 16–23 (preferred 16–18) through shared clinical decision-making. Families are encouraged to discuss vaccination with their physician, especially before high school graduation.
For more information about the Partners in Health program visit the webpage or contact Kaitlin McGuffie.