Meningitis UK funds lifesaving research into finding a vaccine to eradicate meningitis.
Although vaccines exist to protect against some strains of meningitis, there is still no vaccine to protect against all strains, including the most common in the UK - meningococcal group B, which causes almost 90% of all cases and is most prevalent in children under the age of five.
Meningitis UK has a single focus - to find a vaccine to protect against all forms of meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia.
Great advances have been made in the fight against meningitis over the last 20 years and we believe more than ever that with continued support and persistent research, our vision can be achieved.
We rely entirely on charitable donations, so your support is crucial in enabling us to continue our vital work to eradicate these diseases and the subsequent devastation they cause.
Meningitis UK's 'Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign' aims to raise £7 million over the next seven years to help fund cutting-edge research to develop a vaccine against Meningitis B, which causes almost 90% of cases in the UK and for which there is currently no vaccine.
Meningitis UK's Vaccine Awareness and Friends' Open Day 2008
Full details on the happenings at our inaugural Friends' Open Day on Friday 4th April including presentation and video downloads, can be found on our dedicated page in our News & Events section.
The Vision - Spring 2008 Newsletter
To find out about our latest research and what's been happening at Meningitis UK plus what our friends and supporters have been doing to help, please read our latest newsletter.
Meningitis UK's response to Novartis Meningitis B vaccine trials
Meningitis UK is encouraged by the news about the Novartis meningitis B vaccine trials being evaluated by Dr Ray Barrow from the Health Protection Agency in Manchester. For a full response, go to our news release.
New weapon in the fight against Meningitis
Spotmate is a unique new medical tool which may assist in recognising the rash caused by meningococcal septicaemia. Meningitis UK have joined forces with the Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust's Centre for Healthcare Innovation and Development, and Herman Claude Ltd, to launch this new multipurpose product.
Assessment of Patient Experiences of Viral Meningitis
In contrast to bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis has remained relatively negelected in terms of research and treatment guidelines are unclear. Dr Jung and Prof. Solomon from the Brain Infections Group at the University of Liverpool are undertaking a research study to assess patient experiences and better understand the impact of the disease on patient quality of life and society. If you, or anyone close to you, has been diagnosed with viral meningitis and would like to take part anonymously, please download the questionnaire and complete and return by email to braininfections@liv.ac.uk

