Vaccine hope

MENINGITIS. It’s a word that scares parents.

We have heard shocking stories of healthy children being struck down by this potentially fatal illness.

Ireland has the highest rate of meningococcal disease in the EU. There are 170 cases of meningitis B diagnosed here each year. While there is no preventative against this strain of the disease, doctors may soon have a vaccination for children at risk.

The Bexsero vaccine has been granted licence by the European Medicines Agency and experts say the jab is likely to be effective against 73% of the variations of meningitis B.

Diane McConnell, Ireland manager of the Meningitis Research Foundation, says this new vaccine could make a difference to children at risk.

“This meningitis B vaccine marks a fantastic breakthrough in our ongoing fight against this life-threatening disease,” she says. “Ireland has the highest incidence of meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) disease in Europe, so it is vital that this vaccine be made available on the National Immunisation Programme as soon as possible, to prevent further families suffering the devastating consequences of meningitis.”

The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) says the vaccine has been green-lighted, but a final ruling is awaited before the drug becomes available for use.

“Under the centralised procedure, companies submit a single marketing authorisation application to the European Medicines Agency,” says a spokeswoman. “A marketing authorisation granted under the centralised procedure is valid for the entire [European] community market, which means the medicinal product may be marketed in all member states.

“Bexsero (meningitis B vaccine) was given a positive opinion by the EMA at its November, 2012 meeting, following a rigorous scientific assessment, at which the IMB participated. The decision of the European Commission is awaited, and this is usually issued within three months of the CHMP opinion.

“Bexsero is indicated for vaccination of individuals from two months of age and older. The use of Bexsero should be in accordance with official recommendations,” she says.

Symptoms of meningitis include:

* Fever or vomiting

* Severe headache

* Limb/joint/muscle pain

* Cold hands and feet/shivering

* Pale or mottled skin

* Breathing fast

* Rash

* Stiff neck

* Dislike of bright lights

* Very sleepy

* Confused or delirious

* Seizures

* For more information, visit www.meningitis.or; call 080-8800-3344.