Potential new vaccine for WA's meningococcal threat

 

Perth researchers are trialling a Meningococcal B vaccine that could potentially provide protection against the most common form of meningococcal disease in Western Australia.

 

Adolescents aged between 11 and 18 years are needed for the research project, undertaken by the Vaccine Trials Group at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and Princess Margaret Hospital for Children.

 

Study leader Dr Peter Richmond said there is no vaccine available currently to prevent the Meningococcal B strain of the bacteria that accounts for more than 90% per cent of cases in WA.

 

“Meningococcal B can cause meningitis and blood poisoning and can progress very quickly with devastating effects,” Dr Richmond said.

 

“This is the last major cause of meningitis for which we don’t have a vaccine.

 

“Children between the ages of one month and one year are most at risk from meningococcal with a second peak in adolescents, so it’s very important that we ensure that this vaccine is safe and effective in children.”

 

Last year we conducted a Meningococcal B study in Young adults, Adolescents and Toddlers.  The vaccine was well tolerated and preliminary results showed protective antibodies against different group B strains.

 

The meningococcal vaccine to be tested has been developed by Wyeth.

 

Parents interested in finding out more can contact the Vaccine Trials Group on 9340 8542.

 

Media contact:

Elizabeth Chester – 0409 988 530 or Elizabeth@ichr.uwa.edu.au

Tammy Gibbs – 9489 7963 or 0408 946 698 or tammyg@ichr.uwa.edu.au