A vaccine against meningitis C that was introduced in Britain five years ago works well and prevents more than 800 cases of the illness annually, researchers said Friday.
But after the first year its effectiveness in infants declines, so a booster, or alternative vaccination schedules, may be needed to insure protection.
“The vaccine is highly effective overall,” said Dr. Mary Ramsay, of Britain’s Health Protection Agency which monitors infectious diseases, in an interview.
Britain became the first country to begin a vaccination program against meningitis C in 1999. Since then, the number of confirmed cases of the illness, which causes an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, has dropped dramatically.
“There were 885 cases a year before the vaccine was introduced. Last year we had 60 cases. That is over 800 cases a year being prevented by the vaccine,” said Ramsay, who reported the findings in The Lancet medical journal.
The vaccine was initially given to babies and extended to other age groups and people under age 25 in 2002.
It gives high levels of protection for children aged five months to 18 years but for young babies who are given it at two, three and four months of age in Britain, its effectiveness declines quickly after the first year, according to the researchers.
The incidence of the illness, which can develop very quickly, is very high in infants which is why they are vaccinated early in life.
Giving the last dose later than five months old, or adding a booster, may produce a better response.
Meningitis is caused by meningococcal bacteria. There are three types - A, B and C. The disease, which can strike without warning, can kill or leave sufferers severely handicapped.
Fever, headaches and vomiting are early symptoms of the illness but they can be mistaken for flu. A stiff neck and purplish rash are other signs.
