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Charity welcomes meningitis vaccines to save lives
08 February 2006
National charity, Meningitis Research Foundation welcomes today's news that the government is making changes to the childhood immunisation programme, which will save children's lives.
The first change is the introduction of a vaccine to protect against pneumococcal meningitis and septicaemia.
There are more than 400 cases of pneumococcal meningitis and septicaemia annually in the under fives in the UK alone. Pneumococcal meningitis is more life-threatening than other major types, with a higher death rate, and half of survivors are left with permanent disabilities that can be as severe as brain damage, deafness, and cerebral palsy. It is estimated that this vaccine will save the lives of about 30 children each year, with at least 100 more spared the devastating after effects of the infection.
The second change is a booster vaccine against Hib and MenC. Babies in the UK are already routinely immunised against Hib and MenC, but this booster for one year olds will improve protection.
The Hib meningitis vaccine was first introduced into the immunisation schedule in 1992, while the Group C meningococcal disease (MenC) vaccine joined the schedule in 1999. Both vaccinations have saved many hundreds of lives in the UK since they were introduced.
Welcoming the introduction of the vaccine, Meningitis Research Foundation's Chief Executive Denise Vaughan, said: "We are delighted with the introduction of these vaccines into the childhood immunisation schedule. The Foundation has been campaigning for many years for the pneumococcal vaccine to be introduced into the programme. We know it will save many young lives and we also hope to see benefits in the wider population."
Denise continued: "We also welcome the introduction of the Hib/MenC booster as it will ensure that protection against these deadly diseases is maintained at the highest level. However, it is still the case that not all forms of meningitis and septicaemia are vaccine preventable, so the public need to be aware of their symptoms and seek medical help if they suspect someone has meningitis or septicaemia."