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Meningitis vaccinations 'blamed' for rise in deaths



 
 
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  #1  
Old September 20th 04, 09:13 PM
john
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Default Meningitis vaccinations 'blamed' for rise in deaths

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/hea...p?story=563609

Meningitis vaccinations 'blamed' for rise in deaths
By Jeremy Laurance Health Editor
20 September 2004


The success of a vaccination campaign against meningitis is being blamed for
a sudden rise in the number of deaths.

Cases of meningitis and septicaemia have fallen from about 4,000 a year in
the late 1990s to 2,446 last year following the introduction of a vaccine
against meningitis C in November 1999. But in a bizarre twist the number of
deaths rose last year by 17 per cent from 317 to 370 and is not far below
the level before the vaccine was introduced.

Specialists say one reason for the rise in deaths is the mistaken belief
that the vaccine protects against all forms of meningitis. The vaccine is
only effective against meningitis C, cases of which have fallen by 90 per
cent, but offers no protection against the equally deadly meningitis B.

The Meningitis Research Foundation is to launch a campaign this week to
alert the public to the risks. A spokes-woman said: "We are extremely
concerned about the rise in deaths. With cases declining this is the last
thing we want to see. We don't know why deaths are rising but anecdotal
evidence suggests many people think that since the introduction of the
meningitis C vaccine the problem is solved."

The vaccine is given routinely to all babies in the first months of life and
has also been administered in catch-up exercises to older children and young
adults.

But the foundation says this has generated a false sense of security among
the public and led parents and individuals to ignore symptoms, leading to
delays in getting help.

"In a survey of students we found that half thought that, because they had
been vaccinated, they couldn't get meningitis. They thought they were OK and
didn't have to worry any more. Callers to our helpline said the same thing.
So many mums said they didn't think their child could get the disease
because they had been vaccinated."

Meningitis is dangerous because of the speed and ferocity with which it
strikes. It can strike at any age but mostly affects infants and students in
their late teens and urgent medical attention is essential to save lives.

Throughout the 1990s the death rate remained at about 10 per cent of cases.
But in 2002 it rose to 12 per cent and last year to 15. "We hoped the rise
to 12 per cent in 2002 was a blip. But when we saw it had gone up again last
year, we were alarmed," the spokeswoman said. The foundation is launching
its campaign, called "Race against time", tomorrow.

The 'Race Against Time' leaflet is available free by telephoning 080 8800
3344.


  #2  
Old September 21st 04, 05:08 PM
CWatters
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"john" wrote in message
...
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/hea...p?story=563609


"In a survey of students we found that half thought that, because they had
been vaccinated, they couldn't get meningitis. They thought they were OK

and
didn't have to worry any more.


....so it's not actually the vaccination that's to blame. It's the
information given out with the vaccination.


  #3  
Old September 22nd 04, 07:33 AM
john
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hasn't reduced deaths and extra vaccine deaths on top
http://www.whale.to/vaccine/meningitis1.html

Eleven die after new vaccine jab


 




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