INFECTIOUS DISEASE Childhood meningitis may be preventable if we can afford it

Bacterial meningitis, one of the infections most feared by parents, and on the mind of every pediatrician who evaluates a febrile child, is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood. New vaccines have the potential to prevent the majority of these cases and could transform child health. Pollard, A. J. Nat. Rev. Neurol. 7, 539-540 (2011); published online 13 September 2011; doi: 10.1038/nrneurol.2011.141