Meningitis Research
Not all cases of meningitis and sepsis are vaccine preventable. Many are still causing death and life-long disabilities in the UK every year. Many others live with the lifelong impact of these terrible diseases.
Our main focus at Spencer Dayman Meningitis Research is to financially support scientific research into all forms of meningitis, sepsis and associated diseases. We feel that focusing on prevention is the only way to successfully eradicate these diseases and prevent their devastating consequences.
Vaccines play a crucial role in preventing certain types of meningitis.
In the UK, the routine immunisation schedule includes vaccines to protect against bacteria which are responsible for causing meningitis and septicaemia.
For infants: The MenB vaccine is administered at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 12 months, which targets meningococcal group B
The MenB vaccine was introduced in September 2015. Therefore, children born before that date are unlikely to have been included. This vaccine can be purchased privately at major pharmacies throughout the UK.
The MenACWY vaccine is offered at 14 years of age. (school year 9) which targets meningococcal groups ACW and Y. It also available for individuals traveling to high-risk countries with a prevalence of Men A, C, W, or Y disease.
In addition to meningococcal vaccines, there is a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) that protects against 13 strains pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause meningitis. This vaccine is offered to babies at 16 weeks old and at one year.
The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) is available for individuals aged 65 years and over.
DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB (6in1vaccine) which protects against, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough) Polio and Hib which can cause meningitis. 3 doses are given at 8 weeks,12 weeks and 16 weeks, with an additional 4th dose at 18 months for babies born on or after 1stJuly 2024.
It is important to note that not all types of meningitis can be prevented by vaccines. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if there is a concern.
In the meantime our preventative vaccine development research continues towards our goal to eradicate all forms of meningitis.
Research Into Group A Strep (GAS)
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The Research Goes On
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