BABIES BORN EARLY ANTIBODY RESPONSE TO MEN B VACCINATION: BEAR MEN B
THIS STUDY IS CURRENTLY IN FOLLOW UP
What is the purpose of this study?
In 2015 the UK became the first country in the world to introduce the meningococcal group B (Men B) vaccine into its routine schedule for infants (2, 4 and 12months). This vaccine provides protection against meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning) caused by a subgroup (group B) of the meningococcus germ. In the UK, babies receive their vaccinations according to a standard schedule, irrespective of their gestation at birth. This policy is designed so that all babies are protected as early as possible from vaccine preventable diseases. To date, there has been no research looking at whether the vaccine gives the same protection to babies born early as it does to those born at term. We want to compare two different schedules of Men B vaccination and see if one gives better protection to babies born prematurely. One group of babies will receive the Men B vaccine according to the current schedule and the other group will receive an additional dose at 3 months. It is possible that an extra Men B vaccine dose (i.e. three doses in early infancy instead of two) will offer better protection for premature babies. This is what we are trying to find out through this study.
For further information, please see the Participant Information Sheet: Bear Men B PIS.pdf