Study shows one in five adolescents not sufficiently protected against Meningitis C
Research paper: Seroprotection aginst serogroup C meningococcal diseasae in adolescents in the United Kingdom: observational study BMJ Online First (06/06/2008)
Meningitis UK is concerned by the results of the recent study at the University of Oxford which reveals that one in five adolescents aged 11 to 13 may have inadequate protection against meningitis C and a booster dose of vaccine may be needed.
Kate Rowland, Head of Development at Meningitis UK, said: "The results of this study show just how vital on-going research is. Since its launch in 1999 the meningitis C vaccine has been incredibly successful, reducing cases by 95 per cent, but we do not yet fully know its long term effectiveness so continued research and surveillance is paramount.
"Teenagers are a high risk group for meningitis so it is vital that they remain vigilant - if they wrongly believe they are protected, they could become complacent and not react quickly enough when the early signs of the disease are developing.
"Meningitis can be incredibly hard to detect as many of its symptoms are often similar to more minor ailments such as the common cold or flu, plus there are occasions when people show no, or very few, symptoms. For these reasons, we believe the only way to eradicate meningitis completely is through the development of a preventative vaccine to protect against all forms of the disease.
"There is still a long way to go before the disease can be eradicated completely and this latest study shows just how vital it is that research continues."
For more information about Meningitis UK, or to support the charity's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, call 0117 373 7373 or visit www.meningitisUK.org.
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