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Australian Prescriber Vol. 26 No. 3 2003
Meningococcal vaccines
Meningitis is a severe disease which inflames the covering of the brain. It is often caused by a bacteria called the meningococcus. There are several different types of meningococcus, for example groups A, B and C.
In Australia most infections are caused by group B. There is no vaccine against this group. New vaccines are available to prevent infection by group C which causes 200 cases and 18 deaths each year. These vaccines are at least 90% effective in preventing group C meningitis.
The new vaccines will be given to children and adolescents as they are at most risk of infection. Usually only one injection is needed. This should give protection for several years. A similar program in the UK has led to a substantial reduction in cases and deaths.
The side effects of the vaccine include fever and redness where the injection was given.d arthritis.
