Highlighting the success of childhood vaccines against the three main strands of bacterial meningitis, a UK health official stated, “It is vital that youngsters are given the vaccines available.”
Vaccination provides a protective shield against Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b) meningitis, meningitis C and pneumococcal meningitis. According to official figures, nearly92percent kids in the UK receive the combination vaccine including Hib, by the age of one.
The Hib vaccine, introduced in 1992, has reduced cases of this meningitis causing disease by 99percent. There has been a drastic drop from around 800 cases annually to just 12 cases in 2008 in children under five.
It has been reported that the pneumococcal vaccine, introduced in 2007, has saved above 50 lives, having prevented over 900 serious cases.
Health secretary Alan Johnson stated, "In just over 15 years, thanks to the National Health Service (NHS) immunization program, cases of meningitis are at a record low.
"This is thanks to decades of research by scientists and dedication of NHS staff. When the NHS was established 60 years ago, everyone knew someone touched by childhood disease. Today, thankfully, people barely know what polio and rubella are.”
Meningitis is caused when due to an infection the lining of the brain and spinal cord - the meninges - become inflamed. This may be an out come of
viruses, bacteria or even a consequence of serious head injuries.
Though viral meningitis more common, it is less serious as opposed to bacterial meningitis. People recover completely within a couple of weeks.
Government researchers are hopeful that a vaccine for the last remaining strain of bacterial meningitis, group B meningococcal disease will be soon developed. This form of meningitis is fatal with nearly one in ten cases requiring immediate medical intervention. Many of the victims of this form of meningitis are afflicted with hearing loss, brain damage, paralysis and seizures.
Sue Davie, spokeswoman for the Meningitis Research Foundation, the Meningitis Trust, and Meningitis UK, said: "We see the devastating impact of meningitis on people every day. It is really encouraging that a meningitis B vaccine is in the pipeline but we must remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of the disease."
Post new comment