The importance of knowing about Meningitis and its vaccine

In a survey that examined Italian citizens' knowledge of meningococcal infection carried out on a sample of 1007 parents, published last October, some rather interesting data emerged.

Many are initially made aware through television information, but then what counts is the visit to the pediatrician, who still serves as the main reference figure. The majority of respondents fear infection in a generic sense, but far fewer are aware that there are different serotypes and different vaccines for specific protection.

Many are not aware of the fact that there are different serotypes and different vaccines for specific protection.

But how many vaccines do we have available to prevent the dreaded meningitis?

• The vaccine against serotype C or the tetravalent A, C, W, and Y are based on the conjugation of bacterial antigens with proteins that enhance the immunogenicity of the vaccine and make it more effective than the previous ones;
• the direct meningococcal group B vaccine. It was conceived for the first time in Italy in Siena by the team led by Professor Rappuoli, based on innovative criteria, so-called retrovaccinology, which made it possible to overcome some technical difficulties and to ensure the production of a vaccine that is finally effective even against serotype B.

In this way, the pre-existing vaccines against serotypes A, C, W, and Y were also joined by B, so it was possible to complete the spectrum of defense against a disease, which can be lethal in a substantial percentage of cases and can cause even severe sequelae.

https://ildubbio.news/ildubbio/2019/11/26/vaccini-3-genitori-su-4-temono-meningococco-b-ma-prevenzione-poco-nota/

All three vaccines mentioned are part of the National Vaccine Protection Plan (NPPP) and are dispensed in childhood and adolescence to the entire population. In travelers, the practice of the tetravalent vaccine that can protect against serotypes prevalent in Africa (A) and South America (C) for example is strongly recommended.

For your child's everyday life or before going on a trip, seek vaccine counseling.