Getting the Meningococcal Vaccine: My Experience

​There came a time when I spoke with my neurologist about switching MG treatments. You can read a bit about my treatment journey here.

I left my neurologist's office that day feeling so free and heard. Then I knew it was time to get to work in regard to getting my meningococcal A & B vaccines. This is a requirement for starting Ultomiris. I was surprisingly able to schedule my first Men. A shot at my local CVS minute clinic. However, in the state of Georgia they make it very difficult to get the Men. B vaccine.

Meningococcal A and B confusions

I honestly still don’t know the reason I could get Men. A with no issue but yet so much stress revolving around the other. No one could give me a legitimate and clear answer either. So, now we had reached the stress point not even three days later after feeling on top of the world about trying Ultomiris. But little did I know the manufacturers of Ultomiris, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, were blessings in disguise.

I got a call that solved my problem

​I received a call from an unknown number from Connecticut. I was very hesitant to answer because well, I knew no one from Connecticut all the way down here in Georgia so I knew I wasn’t about to get a call saying my unknown great uncle left me an inheritance or anything! But something told me to answer, so I followed my gut and there was the beginning of the end over the stressors of the vaccines!

It was a patient support specialist calling me to reach out in regards to me starting Ultomiris and following up with any question I had, any concerns, or anything directly related to getting my vaccines. I immediately mentioned how I was having issues finding anyone to give me my Men. B vaccine due to some Georgia standard.

​Thankfully, Alexion partners with a vaccine company to make everything a smooth and easy process. Within the week I received another call from another company ready to get me started and get my vaccines sent out to me. Which again, was another blessing because I didn’t have to leave my house to get the vaccines. Since time was winding down for me to get the second part of my Men. A vaccine, they went ahead and shipped that one and the first dose of Men. B!

Receiving the vaccines

​My shipment arrived, with both shots in it and I was very impressed and thankful for Alexion and their amazing team for ensuring that patients who utilize their medications are taken care of to the fullest. The nurse came out in the following days to administer the vaccines and again it was such a breeze and relief not having to load up kids to go along with me getting my shots.

In between getting those two vaccines and getting my next Men. B vaccine, Alexion stayed in contact with me reaching out to see if I had any questions or concerns, making sure I had received my patient safety cards and all. They even stayed on top of ensuring my next dose of Men. B was sent out to me in a timely manner. ​

Starting my new treatment

​Afterwards, I was able to start my Ultomiris infusion and felt absolutely great knowing that Alexion not only has their patients back but ensures that the patients are taken care of in all regards. Knowing they help make the transition onto one of their products a smooth and easy one is amazing. It shows their compassion and understanding that starting the Ultomiris could come with roadblocks but their number one goal is to alleviate as many roadblocks as possible.

Hands down one of the smoothest transitions and team efforts I have been apart of!