Good news for the 19-year-old student with meningitis: “He has been extubated, and has communication.”

The health condition of the 19-year-old student with meningitis is improving. He has now been extubated and is able to communicate, although he remains hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). According to the latest information, a neurological evaluation is required, but his condition seems to be improving and it appears he is winning the battle for his life. The hospital staff deserves praise for their exemplary care.

Michalis Giannakos, president of POEDIN, commented on the situation and emphasized the need for an immediate decision by the National Vaccination Committee regarding the free distribution of the meningococcal vaccine.

“We are expecting an immediate decision from the National Vaccination Committee to make the meningococcal vaccine freely available through prescriptions for the entire population, especially for children and young people,” stated Mr. Giannakos, adding that a public awareness campaign is essential to inform the public about the importance of vaccination.

Mr. Giannakos pointed out that there are vaccines for meningococcal B, which provide high protection against meningitis. However, as he claims, the National Vaccination Committee has not included it in the National Free Vaccination Program due to the high cost of the vaccine, which amounts to about 100 euros per dose, with two or three doses required depending on age, which means around 300 euros for the full vaccination.

He also mentioned the recent meningitis outbreaks in university cities, such as Patras, where cases of serious complications and even deaths have occurred.

“In Patras, after the amputation of a student and the death of another from meningitis, many parents rushed to pay out of pocket to vaccinate their children. And yet, the vaccine is essential for their protection,” Mr. Giannakos said.

At the same time, he emphasized that the National Vaccination Committee must set aside the financial cost and focus on public health.

“Doesn’t the increasing trend of cases warrant a decision? And if even one child, one life, is saved from meningitis, isn’t that priceless?” he added, stressing that it is urgent to include the vaccine in the National Free Vaccination Program for all citizens, especially for children and young people.