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Meninigitis immunisation: challenges, successes and new developments

Jacqueline Boulton1

  • 1Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, King's College, London, UK.

British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
|January 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial meningitis remains a serious threat despite available vaccines, causing thousands of cases annually in the UK. Advances in vaccine technology offer hope for new immunisations against Neisseria meningitidis B, a leading cause of the disease.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Meningitis, inflammation of the brain and spine lining, is caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
  • Bacterial meningitis is a severe form, responsible for approximately 170,000 global deaths annually.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae type B are the primary bacterial culprits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the historical development of meningitis vaccination.
  • To examine challenges faced by nurses in implementing immunisation policies.
  • To discuss advancements in vaccine technology for Neisseria meningitidis B.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of vaccination history and policy.
  • Analysis of current immunisation schedules.
  • Exploration of emerging vaccine technologies.

Main Results:

  • Despite existing vaccines, over 3400 cases of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia occur yearly in the UK and Ireland.
  • Neisseria meningitidis B is identified as the leading cause of meningitis in the UK.
  • Vaccine technology is advancing, with potential for new immunisations.

Conclusions:

  • Bacterial meningitis continues to pose a significant public health challenge.
  • Nurses play a crucial role at the intersection of immunisation policy and public perception.
  • Ongoing research and technological advancements are vital for developing improved meningitis vaccines.

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