> Health and Disease > Colds, Infections, and Viruses

Bacterial meningitis is a serious, life-threatening disease. There is no debate, dispute or speculation on this matter-it is a fact. However, there is a debate about mass vaccination programs of the meningitis C vaccine.

Is this vaccine warranted for every infant, student and adult in Canada?

Are there side-effects from this vaccine and does it protect against all strains of meningitis?

The risk of infection of meningococcal meningitis in Canada is low, with approximately 250 to 750 cases reported each year. Even so, Alberta is presently implementing a province-wide meningitis vaccination campaign costing as much as $25 million. There are concerns about the safety of this endeavour. As a parent, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits of this new vaccine to make an educated decision about the health care of your child.

Meningitis Types

Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the three membranes that lie between the brain and skull and surround the spinal cord. There are various forms, including viral and bacterial infections. Viral meningitis, the most common form, is fairly benign and usually lasts between two to three weeks. Signs and symptoms include headaches and fatigue. Antibiotics are ineffective.

The uncommon bacterial meningitis is a more serious, life-threatening disease. Classic symptoms include a fever, stiff neck, vomiting, a rash that does not fade with pressure and a headache. There are two main types of bacterial meningitis: H. influenza and meningococcal meningitis.

Currently all children in North America are vaccinated for the H. influenza bacteria (hib). In a standard immunization schedule, they receive their first of many shots at ages two, four and six months for pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, polio and hib meningitis.

The other form of bacterial meningitis is meningococcal meningitis, caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitides. This rare form of meningitis receives a tremendous amount of press due to its fast-moving nature and rate of fatalities. One in 10 dies and one in seven survivors is left with serious handicaps such as brain injury or deafness. Early diagnosis and aggressive antibiotic therapy are critical for proper recovery.

Vaccine Reactions Numerous

The five strains of meningococcal meningitis include types A, B, C, Y and W-135. In North America, type B accounts for 60 percent of the infections. Type C accounts for the remaining 40 percent. Last year, Britain introduced a mass vaccination program of the new meningitis C vaccine one year ahead of schedule. Doctors and nurses administered the injections to over 14 million children. So far, 7,742 adverse reactions were reported, including 12 deaths!

The number of reported reactions equals about one in every 1,800 children receiving the vaccine. The most common reactions reported were dizziness, blackouts, epileptic fits, fainting, nausea and headaches. In comparison, 5,570 reactions have been reported for the whooping cough vaccine in 37 years.

According to Isabella Thomas of the UK vaccination support group JABS (Justice Awareness Basic Support), "We are receiving daily phone calls from parents whose children have had serious reactions. The government introduced the vaccine far too quickly."

Britain’s Committee on Safety of Medicines denied reports that any of the deaths reported were attributed to the vaccine. They concluded seven deaths were due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), one from pneumococcal septicemia, one from bronchiolitis, one from pneumonia and two from meningitis B infections. Scientific research indicates a possible correlation between childhood vaccinations and SIDS. This vaccine does not provide protection against the meningitis B strain, the most common form of meningitis.

The long-term effects of this vaccine are not yet known. It’s recommended that individuals sensitive to mercury or other components of the vaccine should not be vaccinated. There are natural steps that can be taken to help guard against potential infection.

Building Body Defences

It’s well known that the bacteria that cause meningococcal and pneumococcal meningitis live in the back of the nose and throat of one or two out of every 10 adults, without causing infection. People of any age can carry these germs for days, weeks or months and not become ill. In fact, being a carrier helps to boost natural immunity. Only rarely do the bacteria overcome the body’s defences. Those with weakened immune systems are less resistant and more likely to develop the infection.

It’s important to support your immune system by eating a balanced diet consisting of raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. In addition, a garlic supplement can be taken for its natural antibiotic properties. Following the acute phase of the illness, Lactobacilli acidophilus and bifidus are very good supplements to restore bowel health after taking a regimen of potent antibiotics. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids will also help to stimulate the immune system and cleanse the blood.

The best insurance factor to guard against the disease is a healthy, energetic lifestyle and whole food nutrition, not the prick of a needle. The potholes surrounding this vaccine raise serious questions about the side-effects reported, the low prevalence of infection in Canada and the lack of protection it provides. Mass vaccination programs are extremely controversial and even dangerous. Derive all the facts from your doctor or public health nurse, both the pros and cons, before you make a vaccine decision for either you or your family.

Mass Vaccinations Rejected

Public health officials in Saskatchewan have ruled out a mass vaccination program even though a Saskatoon-area teenager died from meningococcal disease after attending a rave in February. The provincial health officer, Dr Gary Neudorf, said the case was isolated and did not merit mass vaccinations.

Joey Shulman is a health writer and chiropractor practising in Oakville, ON.

Source: alive #223, May 2001