Meningitis Research Foundation welcomes approval for new life-saving vaccine

18 March 2010

Meningitis Research Foundation welcomes approval for new life-saving vaccine

The European Comission (EC) has licensed the use of a new vaccine against meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia across the 27 European member states. 

The Menveo vaccine protects against the four main disease causing strains of meningococcal bacteria -  A, C, W135 and Y.

There at least half a million cases of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) every year throughout the world. Over 50,000 deaths occur as a result, and, of those who survive, twice that number will do so with disabilities as severe as deafness, brain damage and limb loss.
 
Chris Head, Meningitis Research Foundation's Chief Executive, commented: “Meningitis Research Foundation welcomes this news.  Our charity strives for increased protection against meningitis and septicaemia through vaccination. This vaccine represents an improvement on currently available protection, meaning that more lives will be saved and more disabilities averted."

Read our blog piece - Menveo vaccine licensed

Media Contact: Camilla Bond 01454 281811 or 07920 840505. Out of hours mobile: 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.