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GE Free has collated information on the Meningococcal vaccine (MeNZB) for members interest

The parent vaccine came from the Norwegian meningococcal group B strain. The vaccine has been specifically developed by Chiron Vaccines, in close collaboration with the New Zealand Ministry of Health and Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

The Norwegian meningococcal group B strain is a recombinant vaccine expressed in E-coli and cultured in vat fermenters. The E-coli was cultured in various synthetic and animal mediums. Fredriksen et al report the Outer Membrane Vesicle (OMV) was extracted using the detergent deoxycholate then adsorbed on to aluminium hydroxide. The OMV was reported to contain the respective protein, 8% phospholipid, 7% lipopolysaccharide and 16% deoxycholate.

The final vaccine contains the OMV from Neisseria meningitides group B (strain NZ 98/254) 25 micrograms measured as amount of total protein, Histidine, Aluminium hydroxide, Saline. (Medsafe data sheet)

The Chiron Vaccine web site says “A total of 350 candidate antigens were expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and used to immunize mice. The sera allowed the identification of proteins that are surface exposed, that are conserved in sequence across a range of strains, and that induce a bactericidal antibody response, a property known to correlate with vaccine efficacy in humans. Clinical trials are underway in New Zealand with a vaccine against strains of meningococcal B specific to that country”.

The Medsafe data sheet sites these common vaccine reactions from these clinical trials of MeNZB™ across all age groups were

1. Injection site reactions (including redness, swelling, and induration, tenderness and pain) were very common.

2. Tenderness/pain was the most common injection site reaction

3. Unusual crying, irritability, sleepiness, change in eating habits, diarrhoea and vomiting, and fever of at least 38.0 °C (infants, toddlers) were very common after vaccination.

4. Very commonly reported adverse reactions in children and adults included
- Headache, Depression (malaise)
- Nausea Muscle & joint pain (myalgia & arthralgia).

5. There were a few reports of fainting and febrile convulsions.

6. No data on adverse outcomes evaluated on people with

  • Pregnancy,
  • Immune system deficiency, on medication for immuno-compromised)
  • Who have no spleen, liver or pancreatic illness (hepatitis, diabetes, over use drugs or alcohol).
  • Heavy bleeding or blood disorders (during menses).
  • In individuals deficient in producing antibodies or taking medication with an immunosuppressive effect, vaccination may not result in an appropriate protective antibody response.

7. Protection against invasive meningococcal diseases caused by any of the other serogroups of meningococcal bacteria has not been proven for MeNZB.

8. MeNZB will not protect against meningococcal diseases caused by any of the other types of meningococcal bacteria A, C, 29-E, H, I, K, L, W-135, X, Y, or Z, including non-typeable) or serogroup B other than the New Zealand strain.

9. Complete protection against infection caused by the New Zealand strain cannot be guaranteed.

10. Vaccine should not be repeated if persons have shown signs of hypersensitivity after previous administration of MeNZB

11. Administration of MeNZB should usually be postponed in persons with an acute febrile illness (fever > 38.5 °C).

12. Individuals can have an immune response making them hypersensitive to MeNZB

13. Meningococcal disease is spread through droplet infection.

14 Situations where people are most vulnerable to catching bacterial Meningitis/ Meningococcal diseases were Anaemic (Iron)and/or lived in a tobacco smoking, overcrowded environment. Had a poor diet in fresh vegetables.



Claire Bleakley (06) 3089842


References and web sites of interest

Fredriksen JH, Rosenqvist E, Wedege E, Bryn K, Bjune G, Froholm LO, Lindbak AK, Mogster B, Namork E, Rye U, et al. (1991), Production, characterization and control of MenB-vaccine "Folkehelsa": an outer membrane vesicle vaccine against group B meningococcal disease. Entrez PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=1812438&dopt=Abstract
http://www.chironvaccines.com/company/vaccines_Pipeline_Men_B.php
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=153225
Dr Peter Fusco, Provaxis. Prospects for a chemically modified polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine to prevent Group B meningococcal disease. http://www.meningitis.org/uploads/Meningitis%20and%20Septicaemia%20in%20Children%20and%20Adults.doc
The Meningococcal Gold Rush: Barbara Sumner Burstyn, Ron Law February 2005 www.ias.org.nz
Hilary Butler (2005) – The Science behind a “No” decision. www.ias.org.nz
MeNZB Data sheet www.medsafe.govt.nz/Profs/Database/m/MeNZBvzc.htm
The Rise And Fall Of Meningococcal Disease In NZ – Ron Law (2005) www.ias.org.nz
www.moh.govt.nz