Whose vaccine helped prevent meningitis caused by the meningococcus bacterium?
Quick Answer
Emil von Behring’s era of serum work inspired later meningococcal vaccines, but the first modern meningococcal vaccines were developed in the 20th century by multiple researchers. One key early advance was the polysaccharide vaccine introduced in the late 1960s.
The Full Story
Meningococcal vaccines were developed much later than many famous vaccines, and their history involves several researchers rather than a single inventor. The first widely used meningococcal polysaccharide vaccines appeared in the late 1960s, helping protect against Neisseria meningitidis. These vaccines were especially important in outbreaks and in military settings. Later conjugate vaccines improved protection, particularly in infants and adolescents.
Key Facts
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