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Study reveals need for Meningitis C booster

08.05.10 

EXPERTS say teenagers will need a booster injection to protect them against meningitis C.

Research has shown that three out of four children have no personal protection within seven years of receiving the vaccine.

These youngsters won't be at risk from this potentially deadly strain due to herd immunity, which means that even unvaccinated people are protected because the vaccination reduces the level of germs in the population.

But it is not clear how long this herd immunity against meningitis C will remain in place and if it starts to erode many children will be vulnerable despite previous vaccination.

Meningitis UK says the success of the meningitis C vaccine needs to be maintained.

Steve Dayman, the charity's chief executive who lost his own son to meningitis, said: "While it's concerning to hear that levels of immunity have dropped, we would welcome a booster vaccine that would offer better protection and save lives.

"The vaccine has been a huge success to date, cutting the number of cases by 99 per cent, but continued research and surveillance is of paramount importance to ensure future generations are protected."

In addition to any increased risk from Meningitis C, there is still no vaccine to protect against meningitis B - the most common strain of the disease in this country.

Meningitis UK says people need to remain alert to the symptoms as meningitis still kills more under-fives than any other infectious disease in this country.

Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign aims to raise £7million to help develop a vaccine against all forms of meningitis.

The charity 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 visit www.meningitisUK.org