Vaccine Research Library » Meningitis
Meningitis at a glance:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. The inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Meningitis may develop in response to a number of causes, usually bacteria or viruses, but meningitis can also be caused by physical injury, cancer or certain drugs.
The severity of illness and the treatment for meningitis differ depending on the cause. Thus, it is important to know the specific cause of meningitis.” [1]
Currently, the meningitis vaccine is indicated for the prevention of certain types of bacterial meningitis. [2]
Why should I be concerned?
- The meningitis vaccine has been linked to death and shaken baby syndrome (SBS). See the research articles below.
- There are several types of meningitis; vaccines may not protect against all causes of the disease.
- Viral meningitis outbreaks have occurred recently, but there are no approved vaccines for viral meningitis. The University of Maryland experienced a viral meningitis outbreak in 2014.
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Meningitis
2. WebMD: Meningococcal Vaccine