PHILADELPHIA, PA — GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) launched a new phase of its Ask2BSure meningitis awareness campaign featuring actors Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell as the drugmaker intensifies outreach aimed at increasing vaccination awareness among parents of teenagers and young adults.
The campaign centers on a new online video titled “The Mening-Itinerary,” which highlights everyday situations where meningococcal bacteria can spread among teens and young adults, including dormitories, parties and gyms.
GSK’s campaign encourages parents of people ages 16 to 23 to discuss meningitis vaccination status with healthcare providers, particularly meningitis B immunization.
The company said many parents may incorrectly assume their children are fully vaccinated after receiving meningitis vaccines covering groups A, C, W and Y while remaining unvaccinated against meningitis B.
Bowen described learning that her 18-year-old son had not completed his meningitis B vaccine series despite her efforts to stay informed about his healthcare.
“It was a reminder that even as a parent who tries to stay on top of things, it’s easy to miss something,” Bowen said.
Burrell said the campaign was intended to encourage parents to have conversations with physicians about meningitis risks and vaccine coverage.
GSK said the campaign also includes interviews with meningitis survivors and families affected by the disease.
According to the company, meningococcal disease can become life-threatening within 24 hours and carries elevated risks among teenagers and young adults. GSK cited estimates that roughly 10% to 15% of meningitis cases are fatal and approximately one in five survivors experiences long-term complications including hearing loss, brain damage or limb amputation.
Cynthia Burman, head of pediatric, adolescent and pipeline vaccines medical affairs at GSK, noted that some parents may not realize their teens are missing recommended vaccine doses.
The campaign video, “The Mening-Itinerary,” is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqI9oFlM3qk.
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