2023-10-03 08:15:04
Vienna Raises Awareness on World Meningitis Day, Emphasizing the Need for Vaccination Protection for Babies
Vienna, Austria – Meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria is a serious but rare disease. Babies under one year of age are particularly vulnerable to developing meningococcal bacteria due to their immature immune systems. As the world observes World Meningitis Day on October 5th, attention is being drawn to the importance of early and comprehensive vaccination protection for children, including babies, to prevent serious illnesses and potential long-term complications. Vaccinations also play a crucial role in protecting other high-risk groups such as small children and adolescents.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Although the disease can be caused by various pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses, bacterial meningitis represents the greatest global burden, according to the World Health Organization. Meningococcal diseases, though rare, can quickly escalate into life-threatening conditions within a few hours. The initial symptoms are often flu-like and unspecific, making early recognition challenging. Furthermore, meningococcal infections can result in death within 24 hours, and up to 20 percent of those affected suffer serious complications. To provide the best protection possible, there are three different vaccinations available, with some recommended for babies as early as the first few months of life. Parents are advised to consult their pediatricians regarding the recommended vaccinations and seek guidance.
The possibilities of infection with meningococcal bacteria are diverse. Approximately ten percent of people carry these bacteria in their nasopharynx without experiencing any symptoms. However, they can still unknowingly transmit the bacteria to others through droplet infection, such as sneezing, coughing, or kissing. The risk of infection is higher in crowded living conditions.
Various vaccinations are available to protect against the five most common meningococcal pathogen groups (A, B, C, W, Y) that cause illness in Austria. The current vaccination plan recommends administering the meningococcal B vaccine as early as two months of age. The combination vaccination against ACWY is recommended at or after the 13th month of life. Due to a second peak of the disease during adolescence, the meningococcal ACWY vaccination should also be administered between the ages of 10 and 13.
On World Meningitis Day, parents are being urged to seek advice on meningococcal vaccinations to protect their children. Additionally, politicians are being called upon to address the gap in coverage, as not all recommended vaccinations are currently included in the free child vaccination program in Austria. This includes the vaccination against meningococci B, which causes the majority of invasive diseases in the country. Between 2014 and 2021, meningococci B were responsible for an average of 64% of cases, and among children aged 0 to 4, the percentage rose to 84%. Including all recommended vaccinations for children in the free child vaccination program would ensure equal access to optimal healthcare for all children.
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 unveiled a global strategy to combat meningitis. By 2030, the strategy aims to reduce epidemics of bacterial meningitis, the most severe form of the disease, by 70%, decrease the number of deaths by 70%, and halve the number of cases. The WHO estimates that implementing this strategy could save over 200,000 lives annually and significantly reduce the disability caused by meningitis.
For more information, visit:
– 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 stay one step ahead of diseases. Find out more at www.gsk.com/about-us.
Contact:
GlaxoSmithKline Pharma GmbH
Mag. Barbara Masser-Mayerl
Corporate Communications Lead
+43 1 970 75/518
[email protected]]
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