Ruby Paralyzed, Aria Killed Both Were Vaccinated; GSK Speaks

Despite having received prior vaccinations, two 6-year-old girls from Pennsylvania have sadly been affected by meningitis; one died and the other is left unable to walk or speak, according to their family. The pharmaceutical behemoth GSK is now reacting to growing public anxiety.

Ruby Lutz (left), who contracted meningitis and is now mute and disabled, and Aria (right), who passed away after contracting the infection. The two 6-year-old girls had received vaccinations.

Despite being completely vaccinated, Aria of Berks County passed away earlier in June from a rare and severe meningitis infection, according to her relatives. A few days later, Ruby Lutz, a youngster from Morrisville, Bucks County, was also diagnosed with viral encephalitis and meningitis. Although Ruby lived, the sickness prevented her from walking, talking, or performing daily activities. She is still undergoing treatment at CHOP.

Following the coverage of the children’s circumstances, the vaccination maker GSK responded to Daily Voice with a statement. In it, the business highlights the importance of full vaccination coverage, particularly against the five avoidable serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y, and adds that meningitis is still a rare but deadly illness.

‘Ask2BSure’ Campaign

As part of its Ask2BSure public health campaign, GSK is encouraging parents to discuss vaccination status and risks with their teen’s doctor. Only 13% of 17-year-olds in the United States had received two doses of the meningitis B vaccination, according to CDC data from 2023 that GSK published, meaning that many were only partially protected.

Real Story Inspires Lifetime Movie

Additionally, GSK is supporting the Lifetime Original film “Pretty Hurts,” which will highlight the effects of meningitis on a young woman’s life and premiere on June 28 at 8 p.m. ET. The movie, which tries to start a dialogue between parents and doctors, was inspired by actual families’ experiences with the condition.

Visit Ask2BSure.com to find out more information and to see your child’s immunization status.

GoFundMe Links:

• Support Aria s Family
  

  here

  
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• Support Ruby s Recovery
  

  here.