This Tuesday, The National Meningitis Association (NMA) hosted a cocktail reception at Lovage rooftop lounge in midtown.
The organization works to protect families from the devastating and life-threatening effects of the disease through education, awareness and informing the public of preventative vaccinations. NMA was created in 2002 by parents whose children either died or live with permanent disabilities from the disease. Like many families, the founders weren’t aware that a vaccine would have prevented their child’s illness. On May, 8th the organization will host a “Give Kids A Shot!” gala with which one of the honorees is “Hall of Fame” New York Rangers legend Rob Gilbert amongst others. Check out our exclusive interview with NMA Present Lynn Bozof:
Q: When and why did you start the association?
Lynn Bozof: 19 years ago today our son was in the hospital fighting for his life; he didn’t win that fight. He found out after he died that a vaccine could have saved his life if we’ve known about it. So along with four other families with similar stories we’ve founded our organization in 2002. We work real closely with the CDC and other medical organizations to make sure that parents know that can protect their children.
Q: Is this vaccine mandatory through legislation?
Lynn Bozof: The individual states set their own vaccine policy. But when we started there were no states requiring the vaccine and now 43 or 44 states either require education or vaccination or a combination of both. So we’ve made a lot of progress but there’s still a lot to go.
Q: What about New York’s policy?
Lynn Bozof: New York, thanks to some of our advocates passed a law last year that all 7th and 12th graders now all have to be vaccinated which is wonderful. The CDC recommends routine vaccinations for 11 and 12 year olds with a booster dose at age 16. So where is 80% of 11 and 12 year olds are getting that first dose only about 30% are getting that booster dose. So you got parents thinking that their children are protected and they are not so that’s where we are really trying to focus our awareness on. Just like you need a yearly flu vaccine, this vaccine lasts 3 to 5 years so if you don’t have that booster you’re not completely protected anymore.
