Wider vaccine use could reduce bacterial meningitis

The use of targeted vaccines could have a major impact on bacterial meningitis around the world, an international review has found.

The targeted vaccine for the haemophilus bacterium, one of three main species responsible for bacterial meningitis, has been most effective with reductions of over 95% in countries where the vaccines have been in use for several years.

The authors say vaccine programs now need to be delivered to at-risk populations in poor countries.