London - A vaccine to protect children against one of the most common and deadly forms of meningitis is set to be licensed for use in all countries of the European Union (EU).
The 4CMenB vaccine, developed by Novartis, has been described as the "biggest leap forward in the field" in 30 years by the charity Meningitis UK.
The jab was recommended for approval by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
About a quarter of all survivors of meningitis B are left with life altering after-effects, such as brain damage or limb loss.
Children under the age of five are the most at risk from the bacterial infection, which leads to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
Recommendations from the EMA are normally endorsed by the European Commission within two or three months.
