meningococcal Much progress has been made in reducing meningococcal B’s global health burden.
A vaccine introduced in 2013, known as 4CMenB (Bexsero®), has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of potentially fatal invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) the meningococcus bacteria can cause. The vaccine’s effect on herd immunity, however, has been unknown. Now, world-leading University of Adelaide research has the answer. From early 2017 through until the end of 2018, the University conducted the largest randomised controlled trial ever undertaken to investigate herd immunity. Called B Part of It, the study tracked 4CMenB’s impact on meningococcal B carriage among a cohort of almost 35,000 students aged 15 to 18—the age group most likely to carry and spread the bacteria, and one of those at greatest risk of developing IMD. Enrolled in years 10, 11 and 12 at schools throughout South Australia, the youths were immunised through the state’s school immunisation program.
Below: Professor Helen Marshall
10 | in sight
