Latest news with #MenACWY
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sanofi (SNY)'s MenQuadfi Becomes First MenACWY Vaccine Approved for Ages 6 Weeks and Up
The U.S. FDA has approved an expanded indication for Sanofi (NASDAQ:SNY)'s quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine, MenQuadfi, now allowing its use in children as young as 6 weeks old. Previously approved for individuals aged 2 years and older, MenQuadfi by Sanofi (NASDAQ:SNY) becomes the only MenACWY vaccine available for people from 6 weeks of age with no upper age limit. The vaccine protects against invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W, and Y, a critical step, as infants are at the highest risk for IMD, which can be rapidly fatal. A closeup of a vial of the biotechnology company's vaccines. The new dosing schedule includes a 4-dose series for infants starting at 2, 4, 6, and 12–18 months, and a 2-dose series for those 6–23 months, with a single dose for those 2 years and older. Clinical trials involving over 6,000 participants demonstrated MenQuadfi's safety and strong immune response, comparable to other licensed vaccines. Sanofi (NASDAQ:SNY)'s vaccine is supplied as a ready-to-use liquid in single-dose vials, streamlining administration. This expansion comes amid a recent rise in U.S. meningococcal disease cases, particularly serogroup Y, which MenQuadfi covers. The CDC's Advisory Committee is expected to discuss implementation recommendations next month. While we acknowledge the potential of SNY to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than SNY and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this READ NEXT: and Disclosure: None.
Perth Now
23-05-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Stay safe: Six diseases to protect yourself against
Living in WA, we're lucky to have strong protection against numerous infectious diseases, giving us a safety net that shields us from some real nasties. But what exactly are these diseases, and why should you care? Here's a rundown of six diseases that West Aussies can be protected from: HPV is a highly contagious virus that can cause a range of health issues, from genital warts to certain cancers, including cervical cancer. It can be transmitted through sexual contact or even small cuts in the skin. The HPV vaccine, offered free to Year 7 students across WA, is recommended for everyone before they become sexually active. Getting vaccinated early ensures strong protection against these serious health risks. Meningococcal disease is one you don't want to mess with. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis and can lead to severe infections such as meningitis and septicaemia (a serious bloodstream infection). It spreads easily, especially in close quarters, so getting vaccinated is a no-brainer, particularly for teens and young adults. In WA, we've got vaccines for the B and ACWY strains, which offer solid protection against these life-threatening infections. The MenACWY vaccine is free for all children aged 12 months and for all Year 10 students. Catch up programs are also available for people under the age of twenty. Aboriginal children and those with medical risk conditions can also get the MenB vaccine for free. The flu—sounds harmless, right? But influenza can be a real headache, especially for the elderly, young kids, and those with chronic health conditions. The annual flu vaccine is a must for all West Aussies aged six months and older to keep the flu at bay and is recommended to help reduce the risk of flu and its complications. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can lead to chronic liver disease and even liver cancer. Hepatitis B is spread via blood and other bodily fluids. Examples include from mum to baby at birth or from person to person when sharing needles, sexual contact or through contact with open wounds. The hepatitis B vaccine is part of the standard immunisation schedule for infants (which is free) and is also available for adults at risk. Whooping cough is a nasty, easily spread respiratory disease that's known for causing severe, uncontrollable coughing fits. It's particularly dangerous for infants and young children, who can have serious complications such as bacterial pneumonia, seizures, inflammation of the brain, or even death. The vaccine is given to babies, with boosters recommended for: those who have not had the vaccine in the past 10 years; parents when they are planning a pregnancy; for other adult household members, grandparents and carers of infants under 12 months of age; and for adults working with young children, especially health care and childcare workers. Protecting the littlest West Aussies is key, and the vaccine is the best way to do it. Measles is a highly infectious viral illness known for its distinctive red rash. It spreads through airborne droplets and remains active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours. It primarily affects the respiratory system, often leading to serious complications like pneumonia or encephalitis (brain inflammation). The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles and is part of the routine immunisation schedule for children, helping to maintain community immunity and prevent outbreaks. While the measles is not so common in Australia, it is still very prevalent in Europe and other holiday destinations. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent these serious diseases. West Aussies are encouraged to stay up to date with their immunisations to protect themselves and their community, especially if travelling overseas. For more information about vaccination programs and to schedule your immunisations, visit the WA Health Immunisation website . Stay informed, stay protected, and keep our community safe!
West Australian
01-05-2025
- Health
- West Australian
The Kids Research Institute: Perth researchers make meningococcal breakthrough with combined vaccine
Parents could soon be able to immunise their children against all five common strains of meningococcal after Perth researchers demonstrated a combined vaccine was safe and effective in protecting children against the deadly disease. The existing immunisations for meningococcal types A, B, C, W and Y are the combined MenACWY jab and a separate jab for MenB. Researchers at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases at The Kids Research Institute Australia, alongside national and international partners, found a 'pentavalent' vaccine taking in all five strains was as good at protecting against meningococcal as the two jabs given separately. It could eliminate the need for multiple jabs in children under the age of five and people aged 10-25 — the two main risk groups for meningococcal. 'The results of the study showed that there was no interference in those (immune) responses, because we know both those vaccines are protected against meningococcal disease, and that it was safe and well tolerated,' said Professor Peter Richmond, head of the Vaccine Trials Group at the Wesfarmers Centre and head of paediatrics at UWA's medical school. 'Really, this is a major advance in prevention of meningococcal disease globally.' Although rare, the nasty disease can quickly become life-threatening if it gets into the bloodstream or membranes lining the spinal cord and brain. Children who survive are often left with long-term health complications like brain injuries, scarring or amputated limbs. Chelsea Perrin's daughter Tahlea, 7, is one of those survivors, contracting meningococcal W in 2018 at just six months. 'The night she got sick . . . I woke up probably about three o'clock in the morning, and she was just really, really unwell,' Ms Perrin said. 'I didn't know what was wrong with her, but I knew that she just needed to get straight to the hospital. There was something seriously wrong.' Living in Geraldton at the time, Ms Perrin drove her infant daughter straight to hospital. Upon arrival, she noticed Tahlea had a few spots on her head — the tell-tale rash of advancing meningococcal. 'She was going in and out of consciousness. She wasn't breathing very well, and then they rushed her straight through,' she said. Doctors had to put Tahlea into an induced coma, and they were fearful enough for her life that they told Ms Perrin to say her goodbyes. 'Before they put her under they they told me, give her a kiss, you might not see her alive again, so kiss her now, say what you need to say to her,' she said. 'That was really hard. And then we were flown from Geraldton to Perth and straight to ICU.' After three weeks in intensive care and 162 days — more than five months — on a general ward, her little battler made it through. 'It was horrific. A lot of it's a blur . . . it was just so terrifying,' Ms Perrin said. The sinister disease left Tahlea with scarring to 80 per cent of her body, amputated fingers and toes, epilepsy and a brain injury that renders her unable to talk, walk or swallow on her own. 'Almost every system of her body has had some sort of damage,' Ms Perrin said. 'It's scary . . . this disease is not a game, and it doesn't discriminate.' She said a five-strain combined vaccine on the national schedule would be a game-changer for families. 'The more people are vaccinated, the less people that have outcomes like this,' Ms Perrin said. The MenABCWY's recent approval by the United States' Food and Drug Administration means the green light for use in Australia could be closer than we think. 'We would normally expect once it's been licensed in one country, it starts to become available in other countries within a couple of years,' Professor Richmond said. 'We're just waiting to hear when that will be.' Despite a difficult start to life, seven-year-old Tahlea is living life to its fullest. A competitive dancer, she's the reigning champion in her division alongside sister, Ava. 'She's got this special charisma about her, that just makes everyone fall in love with her personality,' Ms Perrin said. She said if her 'extremely cheeky, very bright and bubbly' daughter is still smiling, they can get through anything.
Perth Now
01-05-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Combined meningococcal vaccine gives hope to parents
Parents could soon be able to immunise their children against all five common strains of meningococcal after Perth researchers demonstrated a combined vaccine was safe and effective in protecting children against the deadly disease. The existing immunisations for meningococcal types A, B, C, W and Y are the combined MenACWY jab and a separate jab for MenB. Researchers at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases at The Kids Research Institute Australia, alongside national and international partners, found a 'pentavalent' vaccine taking in all five strains was as good at protecting against meningococcal as the two jabs given separately. It could eliminate the need for multiple jabs in children under the age of five and people aged 10-25 — the two main risk groups for meningococcal. 'The results of the study showed that there was no interference in those (immune) responses, because we know both those vaccines are protected against meningococcal disease, and that it was safe and well tolerated,' said Professor Peter Richmond, head of the Vaccine Trials Group at the Wesfarmers Centre and head of paediatrics at UWA's medical school. 'Really, this is a major advance in prevention of meningococcal disease globally.' Although rare, the nasty disease can quickly become life-threatening if it gets into the bloodstream or membranes lining the spinal cord and brain. Children who survive are often left with long-term health complications like brain injuries, scarring or amputated limbs. Chelsea Perrin's daughter Tahlea, 7, is one of those survivors, contracting meningococcal W in 2018 at just six months. Chelsea Perrin and daughter Tahlea Dalgety. Credit: Andrew Ritchie / The West Australian 'The night she got sick . . . I woke up probably about three o'clock in the morning, and she was just really, really unwell,' Ms Perrin said. 'I didn't know what was wrong with her, but I knew that she just needed to get straight to the hospital. There was something seriously wrong.' Living in Geraldton at the time, Ms Perrin drove her infant daughter straight to hospital. Upon arrival, she noticed Tahlea had a few spots on her head — the tell-tale rash of advancing meningococcal. 'She was going in and out of consciousness. She wasn't breathing very well, and then they rushed her straight through,' she said. Doctors had to put Tahlea into an induced coma, and they were fearful enough for her life that they told Ms Perrin to say her goodbyes. 'Before they put her under they they told me, give her a kiss, you might not see her alive again, so kiss her now, say what you need to say to her,' she said. 'That was really hard. And then we were flown from Geraldton to Perth and straight to ICU.' After three weeks in intensive care and 162 days — more than five months — on a general ward, her little battler made it through. 'It was horrific. A lot of it's a blur . . . it was just so terrifying,' Ms Perrin said. The sinister disease left Tahlea with scarring to 80 per cent of her body, amputated fingers and toes, epilepsy and a brain injury that renders her unable to talk, walk or swallow on her own. 'Almost every system of her body has had some sort of damage,' Ms Perrin said. 'It's scary . . . this disease is not a game, and it doesn't discriminate.' She said a five-strain combined vaccine on the national schedule would be a game-changer for families. 'The more people are vaccinated, the less people that have outcomes like this,' Ms Perrin said. The MenABCWY's recent approval by the United States' Food and Drug Administration means the green light for use in Australia could be closer than we think. 'We would normally expect once it's been licensed in one country, it starts to become available in other countries within a couple of years,' Professor Richmond said. 'We're just waiting to hear when that will be.' Despite a difficult start to life, seven-year-old Tahlea is living life to its fullest. A competitive dancer, she's the reigning champion in her division alongside sister, Ava. 'She's got this special charisma about her, that just makes everyone fall in love with her personality,' Ms Perrin said. She said if her 'extremely cheeky, very bright and bubbly' daughter is still smiling, they can get through anything.
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Alert over flu-like disease that kills in ONE DAY landing on UK shores...get jabbed, experts urge
Health chiefs have warned of a surge in a lethal flu-like bacterial disease that can lead to permanent disability and even rapid death. Meningitis W, an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, has been detected in people travelling back to the UK from the Middle East. The five cases, confirmed between February and March, had all either recently returned from an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, or had family members who had, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The deadly condition spreads primarily by droplets from the nose and mouth through close contact with the infected person, such as by coughing, sneezing or kissing. Symptoms can initially appear flu like, but without rapid treatment can cause life-threatening septicemia, otherwise known as blood poisoning. Within hours this can trigger complications like brain damage, seizures, and even death. Now, officials have urged Britons to ensure they've had the meningitis vaccine to prevent against infection, especially those planning a trip to Saudi. Dr Shamez Ladhani, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 'Vaccination is essential for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia, particularly given recent cases among UK returnees and their families. 'Meningococcal disease [the medical term for meningitis] can be fatal and may leave survivors with serious lifelong conditions including hearing loss, brain damage and limb amputations. 'Pilgrims should ensure vaccination at least ten days before travel and remain vigilant for symptoms like sudden fever, severe headache, stiff neck, or rash. 'If you or anyone at home becomes unwell with any symptoms of meningitis within two weeks of returning from Saudi Arabia, contact your GP or NHS 111, mentioning your recent travel history, or dial 999 in case of emergency.' Dr Sahira Dar, President of the British Islamic Medical Association, added: 'Millions of people gather in close proximity during the pilgrimages, in accommodation, and on public transport, increasing the risk of contracting infectious diseases like meningitis.' The association 'highly recommends' anyone attending the pilgrimages get the meningitis vaccine — known medically as the MenACWY vaccine — she added. Muslim pilgrims make trips to Mecca throughout the year to receive blessings. Some also undertake a larger pilgrimage, known as the Hajj pilgrimage, at least once in their lifetime, which this year will take place from June 4 to June 9. UKHSA officials said several Meningitis W cases throughout 2024 were known to have had recent travel to the Middle East, with similar cases also identified in France and the US. Latest World Health Organization (WHO) data also shows there have been 11 confirmed cases of the infection in Saudi Arabia between January 7 and March 12 — all in pilgrims. Meningitis W is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, which can often live harmlessly in the back of the throat without causing illness. But in some cases, it 'invades' the body's defences, leading to invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) and septicaemia. Research suggests IMD has a fatality rate of 8 to 15 per cent, meaning it can kill around 1 in 10 people it infects. Symptoms can initially appear flu like, with patients suffering a fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea or drowsiness. But as it invades the defenses of the body and spreads into the brain through the bloodstream, symptoms quickly become more severe. Signs the infection has spread include severe aches or pain in the muscles, joints, chest, or abdomen, a dark purple rash and rapid breathing. One in five survivors will have long-term disabilities, such as brain damage, deafness, loss of limbs and nervous system problems. Meningitis W is one of seven different meningococcal bacteria that can cause meningitis. These are A, B, C, W, X, Y and Z, with Meningitis B accounting for roughly 80 per cent of all cases each year. Meningitis W, by comparison, is thought to account for around 7 per cent of all UK cases. The MenACWY vaccine offers protection against 4 types of bacteria that can cause meningitis: meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y. It is offered to teenagers aged 14 years old as well as people up to the age of 25 who have never had a meningitis vaccine before.
