The rise of Meningitis W and the MenACWY vaccine
Meningitis is caused by the bacteria Neisseria Meningitidis. Between 5 and 11% of adults (and 25% of adolescents) carry this bacteria in their nasopharynx (back of nose and throat) without any symptoms at all. Why is it that some people go on to develop meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) from Neisseria Meningitidis and others don’t? […]
Meningitis Vaccination for Teenagers
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Many people carry the bacteria in their noses and throats without becoming infected but can pass it onto others (carriers). It is thought […]
Meningitis Vaccination Update
What is Meningitis Meningitis is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. Bacteria or a virus usually causes it, but bacterial meningitis is the most serious type. In the UK and Ireland, meningococcal bacteria (Neisseria Meningitidis) are the commonest cause of meningitis. There are 13 different strains of this bacterium and […]
