New children's vaccine for pneumococcal meningitis implemented

01 April 2010

National charity Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) welcomes the introduction of a more widely protective vaccine against pneumococcal meningitis into the UK's childhood immunisation schedule.

Pneumococcal bacteria cause deadly pneumococcal meningitis and septicaemia, as well as other conditions like pneumonia and severe ear infections. The vaccine that is currently used in the immunisation programme successfully protects against seven of the top disease causing strains of the bacteria, which accounted for 70-80% of severe pneumococcal disease in young children at the time it was introduced into the UK.  The new vaccine will protect against six further strains, which cause most remaining serious pneumococcal infections.

MRF Chief Executive Christopher Head commented, "Pneumococcal disease causes untold damage both in the UK and around the world. Pneumococcal meningitis is one of the most deadly forms of the disease. It has a higher mortality rate than other forms and survivors are more likely to have after effects, including deafness, seizures and long-term brain damage. Meningitis Research Foundation is delighted that this vaccine is being introduced to further protect our children against pneumococcal meningitis."

Read our blog piece on the introduction of the new vaccine

Case study available: Gail Phillips' 6 year-old son William had pneumococcal meningitis in February 09, was critically ill in hospital, but pulled through. He has been left with partial deafness and has hearing aids. Contact MRF for information.

Media Contact: Camilla Bond 01454 281811 or 07711 057875

Notes to Editor:

• Meningitis Research Foundation is currently funding 24 research projects into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia. The Foundation has spent £15.6 million on research since its inception in 1989 on 128 research projects.
• Meningitis Research Foundation operates a Freefone 24 hour helpline - 080 8800 3344 - providing information on meningitis and septicaemia to the general public and health professionals.

Symptoms of meningitis:
Fever; vomiting; severe headache; rash (not present in all cases); stiff neck*; dislike of bright lights*; very sleepy/vacant/difficult to wake; confused/delirious; seizures (fits) may also be seen. (*Unusual in young children.)

Symptoms of septicaemia (blood poisoning form of the disease):
Fever; vomiting; limb/joint/muscle pain (sometimes stomach pain/diarrhoea); pale or mottled skin; cold hands and feet; shivering; breathing fast/breathless; rash (anywhere on the body); very sleepy/vacant/difficult to wake; confused/delirious.
 
Other symptoms in babies include: tense or bulging fontanelle (soft spot); refusing to feed; being irritable when picked up with a high pitched or moaning cry; a stiff body with jerky movements or else floppy and lifeless.