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 meningococcal bacteria, which are responsible for causing meningitis and septicaemia. These vaccines target the commonly occurring groups of meningococcal disease – A, B, C, W, and Y.
For infants, a MenB vaccine is administered at 2, 4, and 12 months, while a MenC vaccine combined with Hib is given at 12-13 months. From autumn 2015, the MenACWY vaccine replaced the MenC vaccine for children in school, usually around 14 years of age.
The MenACWY vaccine is also available for individuals traveling to high-risk areas with a prevalence of MenA, C, W, or Y disease.
In addition to meningococcal vaccines, there is a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) that protects against 13 strains of the bacteria. This vaccine is offered to babies at 12 weeks. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) is available for individuals aged 65 years and over.
The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is given at 12-13 months and again at 3-4 years.
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.
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