Vaccine Against Miningitis for Infants Now Available in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- Global healthcare leader Sanofi on Wednesday launched Menactra, a vaccine that protects from Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD), a serious bacterial infection that leads to meningitis. The vaccine is now available for the first time in the country for nine-month-old babies. Sanofi Pasteur Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei head of Vaccines, Eric Mansion, said Menactra can be given to nine-month-old infants and up to patients aged 55. "Sanofi first introduced the meningococcal vaccine in the early 1970s. And today, we are proud to continue our legacy of being at the forefront of meningococcal disease prevention with the launch of Menactra in Malaysia," he said. According to Damansara Specialist Hospital consultant paediatrican and neonatologist Dr Musa Mohd Nordin, Menactra is now available at most private hospitals nationwide from RM100 (US$31.35) to RM250 (US$78.38) per shot. "One may need a second dose of vaccine after five years, depending on one's antibody level," he said. Dr Musa said the meningococcal vaccine available in the market previously could only be given to children aged two years and above. "Menactra now can protect children at a younger age as babies below 12 months old are most prone to meningitis. The second group prone to meningitis are teenagers," he said. Dr Musa said many Malaysian parents were not aware of Invasive Meningococcal Disease which could lead to meningitis (swelling of brain or spinal cord), as it can be difficult to recognise in its early stage because the symptoms are similar to common viral illnesses. "Unlike most common illnesses, the disease can progress quickly and may cause death or disability in just one day," he said. -- BERNAMA