Value of Vaccines 2020
Chickenpox: a ubiquitous, but now preventable, infection
The Varicella-Zoster virus affects almost all of us in our lifetime but there are now vaccines that could prevent this. Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox (Varicella) and shingles (Zoster). Primary infection results in chickenpox. The virus then becomes dormant and can later reactivate to cause shingles. In unvaccinated populations, in temperate climates, almost 90% of … Continued
Value of Vaccines 2020
‘Vaccinate against meningitis’ urges bereaved mother in Ireland
In 2012, Mags Cregan-Smart lost a baby to meningitis. Now she’s urging mothers to ensure their children are vaccinated. Sadly, globally, progress against meningitis lags behind other vaccine-preventable diseases. What is meningitis? Meningitis is a serious illness. Life-threatening bacteria can enter the body and cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining around the brain) and sepsis … Continued