Meningitis Vaccine Success
The MenB Vaccine was rolled out in the UK for babies in 2015. Data collected following the introduction, was presented at the 20th Pathogenic Neisseria Conference in Manchester, confirmed that the vaccine has saved lives.
The research carried out by Public Health England (PHE) has confirmed that the vaccine is over 80% effective against al MenB strains in vaccine-eligible infants and MenB cases have nearly halved in vaccine-eligible children within 10 months of the programme.
MenB is rare with between 400 and 1,200 cases each year in England. Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at PHE said: “This is great news. MenB is rare, but a terrible disease. It’s cut many lives short and can leave children maimed for life, causing devastation for families. Now we know this vaccine can and will save lives and prevent lifelong disability.”
The vaccine called Bexsero has had a high uptake. It is offered as three jabs; first at two months, second at four months and final booster at 12 months.
Vinny Smith, Chief Executive of the Meningitis Research Foundation said:
“This is the first real evidence that shows that the national MenB immunisation programme for children under age one is effective and saving lives. We hope that other countries burdened by MenB will now consider protecting their people from this deadly disease, bringing us closer to a world free of meningitis.
We will continue to convince the UK government that everyone needs protection. We believe that vaccinating teenagers could be the key to achieving this, as it may stop them picking up and passing the bacteria to others.”
Meningitis Research Foundation is working continuously to provide evidence that will protect everyone from MenB.
The Clinical Negligence Team at Clarke Willmott have significant experience in handling meningitis claims. If you or a family member had been effected by the disease please contact one of our team on 0800 316 8892.