Meningitis is a disease that can take anyone by surprise due to its rapid progression and the serious complications it can trigger. It is inflammation of the meninges, the delicate membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and rarely, fungi. Although viral forms are usually milder and often resolve without treatment, bacterial forms represent a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Within this context, vaccination emerges as a crucial pillar of public health. Immunization against meningitis has proven to be an effective tool in preventing some of the most dangerous forms of this disease.
In the context of World Immunization Week, which takes place until April 30 under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Balmis Vaccine Institute – a non-profit scientific association dedicated to training, research and international cooperation in relation to vaccines and immunization culture – underlines the importance of promoting and strengthening the prevention of meningococcal meningitis through vaccination, following the global roadmap established by the WHO to “defeat meningitis in 2030”.
According to the most recent information from the epidemiological bulletin of the Carlos III Health Institute, cases of meningococcal meningitis in Spain have experienced an increase of 35% in 2024 compared to the previous year, being predominantly caused by group B meningococcus. The upward trend has been maintained for the last three years, after an initial decline due to Covid-19 containment measures. “The relaxation of these measures has led to a progressive increase in serious invasive diseases caused by meningococcus, fundamentally sepsis and meningitis,” highlighted Dr. Francisco Giménez Sánchez, director of the Balmis Vaccine Institute.
Meningococcal disease, caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, can cause severe septic symptoms and severe meningitis. “Despite early diagnosis and adequate treatment, mortality from this disease reaches 10%, and up to 25% of survivors may suffer permanent sequelae,” Dr. Giménez has warned.
Vaccination: the best defense against meningitis
To combat meningococcal meningitis, the director of the Balmis Vaccine Institute has pointed out that we currently have effective vaccines against group B meningococci, the most common type, as well as against groups A, C, W and Y, which although they are less common, they also present significant mortality. Thus, specific vaccines, such as meningococcal, pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), protect against the pathogens that most frequently cause severe bacterial meningitis. By encouraging vaccination, you not only protect vaccinated individuals, but you also contribute to community health by reducing the circulation of these dangerous microorganisms. “These vaccines are included in children’s and adolescent calendars at different ages depending on each autonomous community,” he stressed.
“Despite early diagnosis and adequate treatment, mortality from meningitis reaches 10%, and up to 25% of survivors may suffer permanent sequelae”
Finally, Dr. Francisco Gimenez Sánchez has highlighted that combined vaccines are currently being developed that include the five most common groups of meningococcus, which could prevent the disease with a single injection.
This preventive approach is especially important in contexts where susceptible individuals are concentrated, such as in schools and child care centers. Additionally, it is crucial to protect those who have a compromised immune system and who are particularly vulnerable to serious infections. With all this in mind, meningitis vaccination is presented not only as an individual protective measure, but as an essential community strategy to keep this potentially devastating disease at bay.
Source: Balmis Vaccine Institute
