Delay expected as meningitis vaccine gets EU approval

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.