FHI calls on young Norwegians to vaccinate themselves against contagious meningitis
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) recommends that young people aged 16 to 19 consider vaccinating themselves against contagious meningitis.
The incidence of meningococcal disease (infectious meningitis) has been very low during the corona pandemic – and there is no change in the recommendation as a result of the pandemic.
The incidence of the disease has been very low during the corona pandemic, but the FHI still reckons that young people have a higher risk of becoming infected than the rest of the population.
The vaccine provides protection for several years, and when society reopens, vaccinated young people in the age group could be protected.
Transmitted through saliva
Meningitis is a contagious disease that can be fatal. The disease is transmitted through saliva.
According to the National Institute of Public Health, typical symptoms are high fever, a stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting.
The disease often develops rapidly, and around 10% of those who get the disease die. In the last five years, between one and five meningococcal disease cases have been reported annually in Norway in this age group.
Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews
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