2023-10-03 06:15:04
Vienna (OTS) – Meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria is rare but serious. Because of their immature immune systems, babies under one year of age are particularly at risk of developing meningococcal bacteria. On the occasion of World Meningitis Day on October 5th, attention should be drawn to the disease itself and especially to early and comprehensive vaccination protection for the little ones in order to avoid serious illnesses with possible consequential damage. Other risk groups such as small children and adolescents can also be protected through vaccinations.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges that cover the brain and spinal cord. The disease can be caused by various pathogens such as bacteria, fungi or viruses – but according to the World Health Organization, bacterial meningitis represents the greatest burden worldwide. Although meningococcal diseases are rare, they can become life-threatening within a few hours. They usually start with initially unspecific flu-like symptoms and are therefore difficult to recognize in the early stages. Meningococcal infections can cause death within 24 hours. Up to 20 percent of those affected suffer from serious complications. For the best possible protection, three different vaccinations are available, some of which are recommended for babies from the first few months of life. Parents should speak to their pediatrician early on regarding all recommended vaccinations and seek advice.
The possibilities of infection are diverse
About ten percent of people carry meningococci in their nasopharynx without becoming ill. However, these people can still infect others. The transmission occurs unconsciously via droplet infection, for example when sneezing, coughing or kissing. The risk of infection is greater in cramped living conditions.
Three different vaccinations once morest meningococci are possible
There are various vaccinations once morest the five meningococcal pathogen groups (A, B, C, W, Y), which most often cause illness in Austria. The current vaccination plan recommends vaccination once morest meningococcal B as early as possible from the age of 2 months.
The combination vaccination once morest ACWY is recommended as early as possible in the 13th month of life. Due to the second peak of the disease in adolescence, the meningococcal ACWY vaccination should also be administered between the 10th and 13th birthdays.
On World Meningitis Day, parents are called upon to seek advice on meningococcal vaccinations to protect their little ones. At the same time, politicians are also called upon, because not all vaccinations recommended in the Austrian vaccination plan are currently included in the free child vaccination program. This also applies to vaccination once morest meningococci B, although this type of meningococci causes most invasive diseases in this country. In the years 2014 – 2021, meningococci B were responsible for an average of 64% of cases, and in 0 – 4 year olds it was even 84%. In order to ensure equal access to optimal health care for all children, it would be desirable to include all vaccinations recommended for children according to the vaccination plan in the free child vaccination program.
About World Meningitis Day
Since 2008, World Meningitis Day has been raising awareness of meningitis as a global health problem. In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners presented the first global strategy to combat meningitis. By 2030, epidemics of bacterial meningitis – the most serious form of the disease – should be reduced, the number of deaths reduced by 70% and the number of cases halved. The organization estimates that overall, the strategy might save more than 200,000 lives per year and significantly reduce disability caused by the disease.
Further information at:
www.meningokokken-erkrankung.at
www.facebook.com/MeningokokkenJaZumSchutz
www.instagram.com/meningokokkenjazumschutz/
About GSK
GSK is a global biopharmaceutical company that combines science, technology and talent to work together to stay one step ahead of disease. Find out more at www.gsk.com/regarding-us.
NP-AT-MNU-PRSR-230006; 09/2023
Questions & Contact:
GlaxoSmithKline Pharma GmbH
Mag. Barbara Masser-Mayerl
Corporate Communications Lead
+43 1 970 75/518
[email protected]
1696391762
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