Delay expected as meningitis vaccine gets EU approval

A lifesaving vaccine against the deadliest form of meningitis has been approved by EU scientists but it will take at least a year before it is available in Ireland, the country which has the highest rate of the disease in Europe.

The European Medicines Agency, which scientifically evaluates medicines developed for use in the EU, yesterday gave the green light to 4CMenB, a vaccine developed by Swiss drug manufacturer Novartis. It protects against the B strain of meningitis which claims the lives of around 17 Irish people every year, mostly young children.

Meningitis B is one of the most feared strains of the illness, as it can kill in less than 24 hours and leaves survivors with devastating disabilities.