New meningitis vaccine receives approval in EU
MENINGITIS UK has welcomed news that a new vaccine to protect against four strains of meningitis has received approval for use in the European Union, including the UK.
Pharmaceutical company Novartis has developed a conjugate vaccine called Menveo which will give coverage against four of the five major groups responsible for causing meningococcal meningitis; A, C, W135 and Y.
In tests, the Menveo vaccine has proven to provide a higher level of protection in adolescents aged 11-17 years and adults aged 56-65, compared to the current polysaccharide quadrivalent vaccine.
Steve Dayman, the Chief Executive of Meningitis UK who lost his own son to meningitis, said: “This is another significant step on the road to eradicating meningitis. This vaccine will save lives in these high-risk age groups.
“This will bring much comfort to Meningitis UK’s supporters nationwide who work tirelessly to raise funds to protect future generations from experiencing the devastation of meningitis.”
Meningococcal meningitis is the most common form of bacterial meningitis in the UK.
One in ten people who contract meningococcal meningitis will die and half of those who survive will be left with some form of disability such as deafness, brain damage and seizures.
Young people and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of contracting meningococcal disease.
There is still no vaccine to protect against meningococcal group B – the most common form of the disease in the UK. Meningitis UK’s Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign aims to raise £7million to help develop a vaccine against this form.
Mr Dayman says: “In the absence of vaccines to protect against all stains, it is vital that people remain vigilant for the symptoms of the disease and seek prompt treatment if at all in doubt.”
Meningitis UK is offering the public free symptoms information packs. These include a handy ‘Check the Symptoms’ wallet-sized card and fridge magnet and a leaflet with all the facts and frequently asked questions.
To order your free symptoms information pack, please call 0117 373 73 73 or email information@meningitisuk.org.
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