Meningitis Trust “delighted” with vaccine introduction

The Meningitis Trust has said it is “delighted” with the Department of Health’s decision to introduce the pnuemococcal vaccine into the childhood immunisation programme from September 4th.

The vaccine is designed to instil children with immunity against the bacteria that causes pneumococcal meningitis – a disease described as “devastating” by the trust.

It says that fifth of those who are infected will not survive, while a further 25 per cent will suffer from severe after effects such as brain damage, blindness, deafness and even limb loss in cases where septicaemia has set in.

Philip Kirby, chief executive of the Meningitis Trust, stated: “Vaccination is the only way to prevent meningitis and save lives so we’re absolutely delighted with the Department of Health’s announcement today that the pneumococccal vaccine will be introduced into the childhood immunisation programme on 4th September.

“We would urge people to continue to be alert to the signs and symptoms of meningitis, however, as we still don’t have a vaccine for meningitis B, the most common bacterial cause of the disease.”

He concluded: “As such, there’s still a lot of work to be done to eradicate the disease.”

The vaccine, manufactured by Wyeth, was first licensed for use in 2001.

Approximately 3,000 cases of meningitis are reported each year in the UK, although the trust warns that this could be half the true picture. Those most at risk include children, teenagers, young adults and those over 55 years-old.

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