Meningitis UK backs new vaccine for infants
A combined vaccine which could protect infants as young as six months against four strains of meningitis has been welcomed by Bristol-based charity Meningitis UK.
The World Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases said clinical trials prove a new vaccine is protective against strains A, C, W-135 and Y.
It could be used in children as young as six months, compared to current vaccines which do not work in children under two years old.
Meningitis UK's chief executive Steve Dayman said: "We whole-heartedly welcome the news of a vaccine which has the potential to save many lives across the globe."
The new vaccine, Menveo, has been developed by drug firm Novartis and would mostly benefit children from North America, Africa and Eastern Europe. Strains B and C are the most common in the UK.
Although successful vaccines exist to protect against some forms of meningitis, there is still no vaccine available to protect against all strains. Meningococcal group B causes both meningitis and septicaemia and accounts for almost 90 per cent of all cases in the UK.
Steve added: "Here at Meningitis UK we have a single focus - to find a vaccine to eradicate meningitis. Earlier this year we launched our Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign which aims to raise £7million over the next seven years to help fund research to develop a vaccine against Meningitis B.
"In the absence of the vaccine, we desperately need to raise awareness of the common symptoms of meningitis, as prompt treatment can mean the difference between life and death."
For more information about meningitis or to support the charity's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, please phone 0117 373 73 73 or visit www.meningitisUK.org
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
