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New pneumococcal vaccine welcomed by Meningitis UK

19.01.10 

MENINGITIS UK has welcomed the Department of Health's announcement that a new vaccine to combat pneumococcal disease will be introduced in the spring.

The Prevenar 13 vaccine, manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, now protects against 13 strains of the disease, compared to the previous vaccine which covered seven.

Steve Dayman, the Chief Executive of Meningitis UK who lost his own son to meningitis, said: "This is another landmark on the road to eradicating meningitis.

"Today's announcement will bring much comfort to the charity's supporters nationwide, many of whom have experienced the devastation that meningitis has caused."

The new vaccine will follow exactly the same three dose schedule that is used at present: one vaccination at two, four and 13 months old.

Public Health Minister Gillian Merron said: "From this spring, this vaccine will provide greater protection to children and marks yet another improvement this government has made to our world class Childhood Immunisation Programme.

"I am proud that we have been so successful in protecting children against serious diseases and that we have drastically reduced instances of illnesses and death."

Pneumococcal meningitis is the second most common form of bacterial meningitis in the UK.

Although pneumococcal meningitis is less common than meningococcal meningitis, it is a lot more life-threatening.

One in six children who contract pneumococcal meningitis will die and half of those who survive will be left with severe disabilities such as deafness, brain damage and seizures.

While the new vaccine will protect against the majority of disease-causing strains, it remains important to be vigilant and know the symptoms.

Young children, older people and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of contracting pneumococcal disease.

Comments

Online Poker
Posts: 3

new comment
Reply #3 on : Thu October 14, 2010, 07:57:28

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hey your blog design is very nice, neat and fresh and with updated content, make people feel peace and I always like browsing your site.

- Joe

Ellie's Mum
Posts: 3

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Reply #2 on : Wed January 20, 2010, 17:25:47

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This is very welcome news! Our daughter of 6 yrs old has had Pneumococcal meningitis twice now - luckily survived both cases and so far shows no signs of after effects. Like Stephen said above, we bear the scars of the trauma and constant worry that it will come back. Our daughter is undergoing lots of tests to see why she has had it twice and so i will ensure she gets this vaccine to boost her immune system. Thankyou to all concerned who continue to search for a vaccine - my monthly donation to Meningitis UK seems little but i know it goes far. x

Stephen Gaved
Posts: 3

new comment
Reply #1 on : Wed January 20, 2010, 17:00:41

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It is reasuring this news i had this three times in my life. Have survived to tell the tale with-out any disabilities the only disability is picking up the pieces after. Im there now and alive to tell the tale. You are doing a great work.

Thank you,
Stephen.

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