New vaccine highly effective

The number of children under one contracting meningitis and septicaemia caused by meningococcal group B (MenB) has halved since a new vaccine was introduced.

Newborn babies in the UK are now offered a vaccine against MenB – the first infant programme of this kind in the world. As a result, the number of MenB cases in children under the age of one (the group most affected by MenB) has halved.

There are approximately 400 to 1,200 cases of MenB in England, a year and those under the age of one are most at risk. Previously there had been no vaccine proven to work in children for the MenB strain, despite effective vaccinations for other strains of meningitis.

The effects of meningitis can be devastating, with 1 in every 10 people affected dying. Of those who survive, 1 in 10 are left with severe long-term problems such a limb-loss, and 1 in 3 have serious problems such as deafness or learning difficulties.

The vaccine, Bexsero, is offered as a set of three injections, at 2 and 4 months, with a final booster at 12 months. Public Health England has reported that 95% of babies received their first injection, and nearly 90% had received their second by 6 months old.

Dr Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at Public Health England, comments that:

“Infants are most at risk during their first year, so we urge parents to make sure their babies get the first 2 jabs on time to give them the best protection. Call your GP to make an appointment if you’ve missed any doses. However, not all strains of MenB are covered, so we encourage all parents and older children and adults to be aware of the symptoms.

The disease develops rapidly. Early symptoms can be confused with flu or other less serious infections. At a later stage children may have pale, blotchy skin and a red rash which doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it; a sign many parents will recognise. However, don’t wait to see if a rash develops, parents should trust their instincts if their child appears be getting worse and seek urgent medical attention immediately”

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