Disturbing decline in the uptake of meningitis vaccines continues  

In response to news, from HPSC ,that the latest immunisation uptake data for children at 24 months of age, indicates a decline in the uptake of the MenC vaccine, Hib vaccine and the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Carole Nealon, General Manager of the Meningitis Trust, says; “It is of the utmost importance that parents make sure their children are fully vaccinated according to the childhood schedule. 

Today’s news is a huge concern for the Meningitis Trust. Meningitis can kill within four hours, and these vaccines can prevent tragedies across Ireland. The findings are particularly worrying, as the children who are not being vaccinated fall into an at-risk group for the disease. Vaccination is the only form of defence against meningitis, but children need to receive all their scheduled vaccines to get the best protection. There are not vaccines for all strains of meningitis, and we urge everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms and to trust your instincts. Meningitis and septicaemia can be difficult to spot.

Early symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, and muscle pain can easily be mistaken for common illnesses like flu, so be aware of all signs and symptoms – they can appear in any order and some may not appear at all. Do not wait for a rash; it can appear late or not at all. If you suspect meningitis, get medical help immediately.

For more information on meningitis please visit www.meningitis-trust.ie or call its 24-hour helpline which is staffed by nurses on 1800 523 196”.  

About the Meningitis Trust

The Meningitis Trust is a national charity that provides the largest range of professional services and community based support for people affected by meningitis in Ireland.  The Trust raises awareness of meningitis and septicaemia through specialist knowledge, education and training and giving practical support for life to people coping with the after-effects. Specifically, the Meningitis Trust provides support through the following services: - A 24-hour nurse-staffed helpline offering information and support - Home visits - Professional counselling & bereavement support. The Meningitis Trust depends almost entirely on the generous support of organisations and the public to fund its extensive support services, awareness campaigns and vaccine research.  

About meningitis

Meningitis is a life-threatening infection, which affects the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis and its associated disease, septicaemia (blood poisoning), can kill within hours and can affect anyone at any time. Those most at risk are children under the age of five; teenagers and young adults; and people over 55. Approximately 300 cases are reported every year in Ireland, but meningitis experts estimate that this is half of the true picture. There is still no vaccine available to protect against the meningococcal group B, the most common bacterial cause of the disease in Ireland. It is vital that people know how to detect the signs and symptoms asmedicalhelp should be sought immediately. Common signs and symptoms include fever (cold hands and feet), joint or muscle pain, vomiting, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness, confusion, and also, in babies, dislike of being handled, pale blotchy skin, high-pitched cry, and a blank staring expression. Both adults and children may have a rash (septicaemia) that doesn’t disappear under pressure. Symptoms may appear in any order and some may not appear at all.