News
Back to News Archive
New meningitis vaccine to save lives recommended
16 April 2007
Meningitis Research Foundation today welcomes the news that pneumococcal vaccine to protect against pneumococcal meningitis and septicaemia and other forms of invasive pneumococcal disease has been recommended for introduction into the childhood immunisation programme by the Irish government advisory body, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) .
Pneumococcal meningitis is more life-threatening than other major types of the disease, and half of survivors are left with permanent disabilities that can be as severe as brain damage, deafness, and cerebral palsy. Pneumococcal bacteria are responsible for one in twelve of all meningitis cases in Ireland, and children under two years of age are particularly at risk. This vaccine will not only save children's lives but will spare many youngsters from suffering the devastating after effects of the infection.
Dr Kevin Connolly, a member of the Advisory Committee, said: "I hope that the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive will have implemented the updated Immunisation Guidelines by late Summer, early Autumn of this year."
Meningitis Research Foundation's Chief Executive Denise Vaughan said: "The Foundation has been campaigning for many years for pneumococcal vaccine to be introduced into the programme. We are absolutely delighted that it has been recommended for introduction as it has the potential to save many young lives."
Denise continued: "However, not all forms of meningitis and septicaemia are vaccine preventable, so people need to be aware of the symptoms. Free symptoms information is available from this website - or by calling our Freefone 24 hour helpline - 1800 41 33 44 ."
Media Contact: Diane McConnell, Manager Meningitis Research Foundation, Republic of Ireland on 01 819 6931/07770 568110
or
Clodagh Brennock, Medical Information Officer, Meningitis Research Foundation 01 819 6931/086 850 6467
Notes to Editor
- This pneumococcal vaccine has been used in the US since 2000. By 2003, cases of severe pneumococcal disease caused by the seven strains in the vaccine had dropped by 94% in children under 5 years of age. It has also reduced cases in the older population by preventing pneumococcal bacteria from being carried in the nose and throat of those vaccinated and being passed on, creating 'herd immunity'.
- Pneumococcal vaccination was introduced into the UK immunisation programme in September 2006.
- Meningitis Research Foundation operates a Freefone 24 hour helpline - 1800 41 33 44 - providing information on meningitis and septicaemia to the general public and health professionals.
- Information on meningitis and septicaemia is also available on the Foundation's world-renowned website - www.meningitis.org - in 18 languages, including Irish Gaelic. An interpretation service in 120 languages is available through the 24 hour helpline.
- Meningitis Research Foundation has current and future research commitments of €2.9 million and has spent almost €16.3 million on research since it was founded in 1989. This is by far the largest commitment of any meningitis charity.
Symptoms of meningitis:
Severe headache; stiff neck*; dislike of bright lights*; fever; vomiting; drowsy and less responsive/vacant; rash; seizures (fits) may also be seen. (*Unusual in young children.)
Symptoms of septicaemia (blood poisoning form of the disease):
Rash; fever; vomiting; cold hands and feet; shivering; abnormal colour (pallor or mottling); rapid or unusual breathing; limb/joint/muscle pain; abdominal pain (sometimes with diarrhoea); drowsy and less responsive/vacant.
Other symptoms in babies include: tense or bulging fontanelle (soft spot); blotchy skin, getting paler or turning blue; 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.