New jab offers better protection

Matthew Hill
BBC West Health Correspondent

Isabella Allan was left deaf in one ear after developing meningitis

The Meningitis Research Foundation says a new vaccination for children will offer greater protection against the pneumococcal form of the disease.

Trials have been taking place on two vaccines, one which covers 10 strains of meningitis and another which protects against 13 strains.

The Department of Health is weighing both up for cost and effectiveness and will make a decision in the New Year.

The vaccine currently given to children protects against seven strains.

One in six is left profoundly deaf while others must cope with brain damage or epilepsy Dr Trisha Macnair

"What we want is the widest possible protection," said Lynda Glennie, research head at the Foundation.

Pneumococcal meningitis is caused by the bacteria that usually causes pneumonia.

Health Protection Agency figures show this form of the disease has a higher death and disability rate compared with any other form of meningitis.

Dr Trisha Macnair writing on the BBC Health site said the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (known as pneumococcus) was an important cause of meningitis, "especially in young children and older adults".

"It accounts for about one in 10 cases of bacterial meningitis," she said.

More protection

"Sadly, about 20% of those affected die and many more are left with long-term nerve damage.

"One in six is left profoundly deaf while others must cope with brain damage or epilepsy," added Dr Macnair.

Isabella Allan, now aged three, from Dursley, Gloucestershire, developed pneumococcal meningitis when she was four months old.

Doctors at the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital saved her life but she was left deaf in one ear.

Her mother Gemma Allan said she had been vaccinated against pneumococcal meningitis by the routine childhood immunisation programme.

While the new vaccination will offer more protection than is currently available, it can at best offer protection against 13 strains of a disease which has 90 known strains.