§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent steps he has taken to reduce the incidence of meningitis B; and what further steps he plans to take in the next 12 months.[9087]
§ Ms BlearsAs the recent success with meningitis C vaccine has demonstrated, the best way to reduce the incidence of meningococcal Group B disease is through an effective meningitis B vaccine. Unfortunately, we are some years away from having such a vaccine. Work to find a vaccine against Group B is much more difficult than for Group C, although early indicators for a Group B vaccine are encouraging. The Department is investigating Group B vaccines in collaboration with RIVM, the Dutch national vaccine manufacturer, and funds Group B vaccine dedicated work at the Centre for Applied Microbiology Research.
In the meantime, it remains essential for parents and health professionals to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease and alert to act 206W quickly should they recognise any of these symptoms. Information on recognising meningococcal disease is included in all the childhood immunisation materials produced by Health Promotion England which are given to parents. Health professionals have been reminded to be alert to the expected winter rise in meningococcal cases in a letter from the Chief Medical Officer, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Pharmacist issued on 15 October.
§ Adam PriceTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to deal with changes in the incidence of meningitis in the last four years.[9855]
§ Ms BlearsMeningitis and septicaemia can be caused by a number of viruses and bacteria. Illness caused by bacteria is the most serious and meningococcal disease is the commonest cause of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia in the United Kingdom
The incidence of meningococcal disease had been increasing in the second half of the 1990s. However, the introduction of a new vaccine against Group C meningococcal infection in November 1999 has reduced the incidence of meningococcal Group C disease by up to 90 per cent. in those age groups immunised.
The vast majority of meningococcal disease is now caused by Group B infection. The success of the meningitis C vaccine has demonstrated that the best way to reduce the incidence of Group B disease is through an effective meningitis B vaccine. Unfortunately, we are some years away from having such a vaccine. Work to find a vaccine against Group B is much more difficult than for Group C, although early indicators for a Group B vaccine are encouraging. The Department is investigating Group B vaccines in collaboration with RIVM, the Dutch national vaccine manufacturer, and funds Group B vaccine dedicated work at the Centre for Applied Microbiology Research.