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.

------------------------------------------------------------

December 20, 2002

INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Immunization Scheme Cuts Meningitis Cases"

Irish Times (www.ireland.com) (12/17/02) P. 6; Donnellan, Eithne

Statistics from Ireland's Department of Health show an 89 percent reduction in meningitis C cases from January to November.  The reduction was noted across all age groups targeted in the immunization program that began in October 2000; the meningitis C vaccine is given to children at age two months, four months, and six months of age, and also to young adults.  The Minister of Health, Mr. Martin, noted, "There have been no group C deaths in 2002 to date, whereas over the same period in 1999, 2000, and 2001, there were five, nine, and three deaths, respectively."  Martin said that the incidence of bacterial meningitis has declined as well, falling 31 percent between Oct. 1, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2002, from the same period in the previous year.

Vaccination News Home Page

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.