EU scientists approve life-saving meningitis vaccine

A life-saving vaccine against the deadliest form of meningitis has been approved by EU scientists.

However, it is likely to be at least another year before it is available in Ireland.

This new vaccine, called Bexsero, fights the most common strain, Meningitis B.

Around 17 people here die from the illness every year, making Ireland the country with the highest incidence rate of the disease in Europe.

Ireland's leading meningitis charity Meningitis Research Foundation has welcomed the news that the potentially lifesaving vaccine is one step closer, but said the vaccine is unlikely to be available in Ireland until the end of 2013, at the earliest.

The new vaccine will require a licence from the European Commission before governments can consider it for implementation.