Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Dates: 2001-2005
Funding: Meningitis Research Foundation
Collaborators: Academic Department of Child Health, Royal London Hospital
Information: Rosa Legood

The objective of the study is to assess the physical, social and economic impact of pneumococcal meningitis.

Data are being collected through detailed interviews with over 100 children/adults who were aged 0-14 years when they experienced an episode of pneumococcal meningitis.

The interviews include assessment of the economic impact and quality of life implications of an episode. Data from cases are being compared with a group of sibling controls.

A particular focus of this study is to provide an evidence base to inform future cost-effectiveness analysis of a newly licensed pneumococcal vaccine. Whilst this vaccine is effective, it is also extremely costly to purchase; robust evidence on the long-term economic impact of SPM is urgently required to inform health policy on the funding of the vaccine.

Researchers at HERC are advising on the economic aspects of the study including the use of the Health Utilities Index questionnaire and the measurement of the economic impact on patients and their families of a pneumococcal meningitis episode.