From across the country, we have heard of the loss of Jill Dieringer and have read with much sadness and many prayers the ordeal and pain of the University community, her friends and her family who are trying to understand and deal with this latest tragic case of meningococcal disease.
I live in Maryland, but since we lost our 18-year-old son, Pat, to the rapid, devastating attack of this highly preventable killer disease, we have become acutely aware of the pain and suffering of families nationwide from very similar losses. I feel compelled to write to the families and students in Eugene about this terrible disease and the incredible pain it causes those who have to deal with its often-fatal progress.
Parents need to become better informed about this disease. Your community seems to be responding effectively to this health issue, and your paper should be commended on reporting on the availability of the vaccine. Although it might not be a total shield, it protects people in about 70 percent of the cases by dealing with four of the five main serogroups of the bacteria. While we all wade through confusing information on the disease, I would like to point out that the chances of an outbreak or single death happening become reduced significantly simply if students are vaccinated, if parents are afforded the opportunity to vaccinate their children and if all are provided the information that clearly states what may happen if they aren’t vaccinated.
In Maryland, a law was passed last year requiring incoming college students to show proof of meningitis vaccination or to sign a waiver. There is some issue with not all insurers covering the cost, but if children are required to receive the vaccine, it can help convince insurance companies to cover the costs. I strongly urge those of you in Oregon who are trying to sort through the issues and deal with the loss of Miss Dieringer to do two things.
First, ensure that you are able to get the vaccine, and if you are a parent, demand that your children be vaccinated. If you are a student, get the shot now. Have the doctor show you the information insert with the vaccine, and then, if your doctor resists, find another doctor.
Second, write or call your state legislators, asking them to start a bill to protect against meningitis with a vaccination program and education. It took many dedicated legislators and parents, and the loss of a few good teenagers to help ensure a bill passed in Maryland. Parents in Texas, New York, Michigan, Illinois, Georgia and California are trying to include high-school and middle-school children in their states’ bills with varying degrees of success.
I sincerely hope and pray that Oregon can improve quickly on Maryland’s groundbreaking meningitis vaccination legislation, which passed here too late for our son. Meanwhile, I hope that your colleges and universities are at least complying with the ACIP, ACHA and CDC recommendations that dorm students be afforded the information about and opportunities for vaccination against meningococcal meningitis. Know that my heart breaks for Jill’s family and friends. We are walking the same path of tears that you and too many others have also walked. Our prayers and support are with you every day.