Vaccination

Nigeria introduces the world's first Men5 CV meningitis vaccine (2025)

Posted on by

Type of publication:

Journal article

Author(s):

Aderinto N.; Olatunji G.; Kokori E.; Ogieuhi I.J.; Alao A.E.; Ajimotokan O.I.; Victoria O.O.; *Akinruli O.A.; Olawoyin M.T.

Citation:

Discover public health. 22(1) (no pagination), 2025. Article Number: 194. Date of Publication: 01 Dec 2025

Abstract:

Meningitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition due to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord's meninges. It has various etiologies, among which bacterial meningitis appears to be the most prevalent. Nigeria, the largest country in Africa has now become the first country to roll out a new vaccine called the Men5CV, being able to offer protective against five meningococcal bacterial strains (A, C, W, Y, and X), it offers hope to low-income and developing countries across the world. Clinical trials showed consistent efficacy with minimum adverse effects, and as such it has been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). 1686 suspected cases were recorded within the last four years in Nigeria, with about 124 confirmed deaths. Despite the success with the MenA conjugate vaccine, other strains still persist. Through a 13-year collaborative effort, there has been significant protection. The rollout of the MEN4CV marks a critical step towards the goal of the WHO in completely eradicating meningitis by 2030. Although challenges like religious reasons and limited vaccine supply exist, we believe with effective training for healthcare practitioners and effective distribution of vaccines to remote areas, these obstacles can be overcome.

DOI: 10.1186/s12982-025-00592-9

Link to full-text [open access - no password required]

Uptake of influenza vaccination as a preventive health care strategy (2019)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Ibrahim J.; *Ali J.; *Ali A.; *Makan A.; *Crawford E.; *Ahmad N.; *Srinivasan K.; *Moudgil H.

Citation:
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine; May 2019; vol. 199 (no. 9)

Abstract:
Introduction: Whether our local Health Care Economy is adequately prepared with uptake of targeted preventative strategies of seasonal influenza vaccination for the consequential burden on secondary health care is poorly documented. Auditing patients admitted acutely through our Acute Medical Unit, objectives were to (1) provide a point prevalence measure to the uptake of influenza vaccine among patients stratified by at risk groups, and (2) document reasons for nonadherence to current recommendations. Method(s): Auditing on three alternate days during one week in January 2018 coinciding with peak season for influenza, adult patients (>16yrs) acutely admitted were categorized and individually questioned using National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for "immunization against Seasonal Influenza" as a benchmark identifying targeted strategies by clinical risk grouping: Group A was based on age years, and Group B on those below this age but with defined clinical risks. Comparative but surrogate standards for the groups were adopted from World Health Organization (WHO) targets and from Public Health England for uptake achievements by patients under local General Practitioners (GPs) in the West Midlands (WM) region. This audit did not consider the impact of vaccination on illness. Result(s): 120/136 (88.2%) admitted patients were audited; of these 75/120 (62.5%) had been vaccinated. Comparisons with standards adopted are shown in figure 1. Featured among 37.5% not vaccinated were GP appointments (60%), allergy (24%), low risk (9%) and mis-trust (7%). At risk groups were chronic respiratory (32%), cardiac (19%), neurological (14%) disease and diabetes (12%), cancer (7%), and others (16%). Conclusion(s): Among those admitted to secondary care, local Health Care Economy (figure 1) fall short of adopted standards from the WHO and regionally for WM region for Group A but with better figures for Group B comparing regionally, and (2) identify access at local GPs as among primary reasons for non-uptake of vaccination. (Figure Presented).

Link to full-text [no password required]