Seven out of ten adults fail to realise there is no vaccine against the most common form of meningitis
Seven out of ten adults fail to realise there is no vaccine against the most common form of meningitis - new survey by Meningitis UK reveals
Nearly seven out of ten adults are unaware there is no vaccine to protect against the most common form of meningitis in this country, according to a new survey.
The results of a nationwide Ipsos MORI poll indicate that 69 per cent of people questioned do not realise there is no vaccine against Meningitis B - the strain which causes almost 90 per cent of all cases in the UK and can kill in under four hours.
The survey, commissioned by national charity Meningitis UK, also reveals that 38 per cent of parents mistakenly believe their children had been vaccinated against all forms of meningitis - despite there being no vaccine against Meningitis B.
It reveals that 78 per cent of people initially questioned agreed that research into developing vaccines against meningitis should be given a higher priority. After being told there is currently no vaccine against Meningitis B, this increased to 86 per cent
Meningitis UK's Chief Executive Steve Dayman said: "This survey shows how important it is to inform people about meningitis and what vaccines are available. If parents wrongly believe their child is 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 though, 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.
"It is vital to raise awareness and the need to act quickly, which in the absence of a vaccine, can mean the difference between life and death."
To inform and empower people, Meningitis UK distributes a wide range of awareness materials. In preparation for the number of meningitis cases which peak in February, the charity is offering the public free symptoms information packs, containing a ‘Check the Symptoms' fridge magnet and wallet-sized symptoms card.
To order your free symptoms information pack, please call 0117 373 73 73 or visit www.meningitisUK.org
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
