Immunization Newsbriefs (c) Copyright Information Inc., Bethesda, MD. Brought to you by the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii). Visit NNii's new website at http://www.immunizationinfo.org.
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February 03, 2003
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS
"Vaccine Beating Killer Disease"
This is South Devon (www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk)
Cases of meningitis are declining fast in South Devon as a new vaccine begins to take effect. The meningitis C vaccine was introduced just over three years ago. The latest figures of 40 cases in the last year are less than half the peak of 82 cases reached in 2000. The news comes as the peak season for meningitis and septicaemia draws near. Parents are being warned to remain vigilant for the flu-like symptoms of the different strains of meningitis. The vaccination program is now available to everyone under the age of 24, and is routinely given to babies. There are two main strains of the meningococcus in Great Britain, group B and group C. The C vaccine offers protection against the group C strain, but it offers no protection against group B.
ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.