Ministry of Health will purchase a batch of vaccine against meningococcal disease
The Republic of Moldova will acquire a batch of vaccines to prevent meningococcal infections and the complications associated with this disease. This decision follows the registration of five cases of infection in children aged 1 to 9 within the first two months of this year, specifically in Chisinau, Balti, Ialoveni, and Criuleni.
According to the Ministry of Health, the meningococcal vaccine will be administered with priority to children, starting at two months of age, upon request from their parents.
Ala Nemerenco, the Minister of Health, stated on her Facebook page, "After analyzing the situation concerning meningitis in the Republic of Moldova, we decided to include the meningococcal infection vaccine in the National Immunization Program as a complementary alternative. In neighbouring countries like Romania and Ukraine, this vaccine is available for a fee. In most EU countries, it is mandatory and provided free of charge."
In the past ten years, over 220 cases of meningococcal infection have been reported in the Republic of Moldova, with 60% of these cases occurring in children under the age of two. The fatality rate has been 23%, resulting in more than 50 deaths.
Approximately 3,000 cases of meningococcal disease are reported annually in the European Union, with a fatality rate of 10-20% in affected cases.
Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, which can lead to meningitis or septicemia. While most individuals with meningitis recover completely, some may experience long-term effects such as hearing loss, vision problems, seizures, memory issues, and difficulties with balance and coordination.
The disease spreads through the air via droplets of saliva and is more common in crowded environments or during prolonged contact with infected individuals. The most vulnerable populations include children under 14 years of age, especially those under five.
The National Health Insurance Company will allocate over 4.9 million lei for the purchase of the vaccine.
