Meningitus update
New vaccine for African ‘meningitis belt’
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is contributing to the development of a vaccine that will have the potential to eradicate the large scale outbreaks of group A meningitis that are commonplace in sub-Saharan Africa. The threat is ever present for several hundred million people in a group of African countries, collectively known as the “meningitis belt”, and there are major epidemics every 10 years or so. It is hoped that the new conjugate vaccine (MenAfriVac™) could be as effective against meningitis A infection in Africa as the meningitis group C vaccine has been against that infection in the UK. The new vaccine is at an advanced stage of development and could be in use in 12–18 months. A vaccination programme will be launched in Burkina Faso at the end of 2009 or early 2010 and rolled out across the meningitis belt over the following five years.
New meningitis vaccine for UK
Results from a preliminary trial on a vaccine against the B strain of meningitis were described as “encouraging” by researchers. Until now no vaccine has been available against meningitis B. The vaccine’s protective response was tested against three strains of meningitis B on 150 babies in the UK. Each child was immunised at two, four, six and 12 months. After the children had received all four doses of the vaccine, they were found to be protected against the three disease strains at a rate of 100, 98 and 93 per cent respectively. A spokesman from the DH said: “The HPA is embarking on early studies on meningitis B vaccines. As results become available, the DH will consider carefully the impact of strategic investment in such research if it would accelerate the availability of safe and effective vaccines.”
Booster required?
Researchers say that some adolescents may not be adequately protected against meningitis C and may require a booster dose of vaccine. Following a mass immunisation campaign the number of cases had dropped so researchers studied whether children vaccinated aged six-eight years remained protected on reaching adolescence. The researchers said that over 20 percent, “a significant minority” of 11–13 year olds, have inadequate protection and a booster dose of meningitis C may be required to sustain protection in teenagers. BMJ Online First: DOI: 10.1136/bmj.39563.545255.AE.
Students and meningitis
A letter has been sent to all universities and colleges in England advising of the continued availability of meningitis C vaccine. Don’t ignore the signs leaflets and posters aimed at new students can be found on the NHS Immunisation Information website.