Men5CV Vaccine

About Men5CV Vaccine:

• It protects against strains A, C, W, Y and X of the meningococcus bacteria, all of which can cause meningitis and blood poisoning.
• It is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Funding: The vaccine and emergency vaccination activities are funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Key facts about Meningitis

• It is a serious infection that leads to the inflammation of the membranes (meninges) that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
• There are multiple causes of meningitis, including viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic pathogens.
• Bacterial meningitis, specifically caused by the meningococcus bacteria, is a particular concern in Africa and can also result in septicaemia (blood poisoning), and can seriously disable or kill within 24 hours those that contract it.  
• Symptoms: It often includes headache, fever and stiff neck.
• A region of 26 countries known as the “African meningitis belt” stretches across the continent, including Nigeria.