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Published On: Sat, Nov 16th, 2013

Princeton considers the use of Bexsero meningitis vaccine to curb spread of meningitis B

Following the seventh confirmed case of Neisseria meningitis B infection at Princeton University since March, the school is considering the use of a European Union/Australia -approved vaccine that will protect against this strain of the potentially lethal infection.

 

Photo/CDC/ Debora Cartagena

Photo/CDC/ Debora Cartagena

CBS New York reports that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has offered the school to use the Novartis vaccine, Bexsero.

The CDC has been working with the Food and Drug Administration about gaining access to this particular vaccine, CDC spokeswoman Barbara Reynolds told CNN.

“We just got the approval from FDA this week to import the vaccine under the Investigational New Drug Application program,” Reynolds said, “Now we’re consulting with the Princeton University officials and New Jersey Health Department officials about the next step.”

Meningococcal meningitis is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis that can infect the lining of the brain and spinal cord. There are a few different types or strains of Neisseria meningitidis. In the US, types B, C and Y cause the majority of disease.

Currently, there are two vaccines in the United States ,meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Menomune®), and meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menactra® and Menveo®), that protect against Neisseria meningitidis.

However, they only protect against Neisseria meningitidis Serogroups A, C, Y and W-135. There is currently no licensed vaccine that protects against serogroup B in the U.S.

As Reynolds points out in the CNN interview, the Princeton situation is “unique” as it’s  the first time there has been an outbreak in a population where we have an option to control the outbreak using the serogroup B vaccine.

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About the Author

- Writer, Co-Founder and Executive Editor of The Global Dispatch. Robert has been covering news in the areas of health, world news and politics for a variety of online news sources. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of the website, Outbreak News Today and hosts the podcast, Outbreak News Interviews on iTunes, Stitcher and Spotify Robert is politically Independent and a born again Christian Follow @bactiman63

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  1. Third UC Santa Barbara undergrad confirmed positive for meningococcal meningitis - The Global Dispatch says:

    […] just like the meningococcal meningitis outbreak reported from Princeton University in New Jersey, the strain of the bacterium has been confirmed as meningicoccal meningitis serogroup B in two of […]

  2. Princeton hopes to make Bexsero available in December for students - The Global Dispatch says:

    […] a follow-up to an earlier story, Princeton University announced today via email that they will be receiving the EU/Australia […]

  3. Princeton Meningitis Outbreak Spurs Emergency Import Of Vaccine | THE OUTBREAK says:

    […] Follow the news source here. […]

  4. MUSAorg says:

    Our hearts and support go out to those affected by the terrible effects of meningitis. The Meningitis Foundation of America offers extensive information regarding diagnosis, immunization, recovery and the after effects of meningitis. MFA survives primarily by donations. For the past 16 years, we have assisted people through support groups, resources and advocacy in efforts to help those affected with meningitis overcome and those around them understand the journey ahead. MFA survives primarily by donations. We promote prevention and safety measure in at risk communities and help explain the short term, long term effects and recovery treatments of meningitis to the media and public at large. Meningitis is a dangerous & often times fatal infection that can lead to serious life-long physical problems and even death. We are here to provide emotional support to those who need it; please feel free to reach out to us. http://www.musa org, [email protected]

    Daisi Pollard Sepúlveda-Low
    National President
    Meningitis Foundation of America, Inc.
    World Meningitis Day 24 April

  5. Princeton weighs whether to offer meningitis vaccines – CNN | NewsShow says:

    […] Ivy League outbreakNBCNews.com princeton-university-meningitis-cdc.JPGThe Star-Ledger – NJ.comPrinceton considers the use of Bexsero meningitis vaccine to curb spread of …The Global DispatchSacramento Beeall 40 news […]

  6. Emergency meningitis vaccine will be imported to halt Ivy League outbreak – NBCNews.com | News Instant says:

    […] Th&#1077 Global Send &#959ff […]

  7. Emergency meningitis vaccine will be imported to halt Ivy League outbreak – NBCNews.com | Rss News Desk | Daily News Magazine says:

    […] The Global Dispatch […]

  8. Emergency meningitis vaccine will be imported to halt Ivy League outbreak – NBCNews.com | Amazing News says:

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