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Hib vaccination catch-up
18 February 2003
Meningitis Research Foundation welcomes the news that the Government has announced a planned Hib vaccination catch-up campaign for children aged six months to four years.
Prior to 1992, when the Hib vaccine was introduced into the childhood immunisation programme, some 800 cases of Hib disease were seen in England and Wales every year, of which nearly 500 were Hib meningitis
However, due to a recent rise in Hib disease the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, whilst recognising the success of the Hib programme, has advised on a further enhancement of immunity in babies and young children, which will commence in Spring 2003
Meningitis Research Foundation Chief Executive, Denise Vaughan, commented: "Meningitis Research Foundation, whilst concerned about the recent rise in Hib disease, is delighted that the Government is aiming to reverse this trend by making a further dose of Hib vaccine available to these children
"However, not all forms of meningitis and septicaemia are vaccine preventable so research is still essential. The main cause of meningitis and septicaemia in the UK is Group B meningococcal disease, for which no vaccine is available so the public still need to be aware of the symptoms of these diseases and seek medical help if they suspect someone has meningitis and septicaemia."
For a FREE mini-pack of symptoms information call Meningitis Research Foundation's Freefone 24 hour helpline - 080 8800 3344.
Note to Editor:
- Babies from 6 months of age to children under four years of age as at 1 April 2003, will be included in the catch-up programme through their GP surgeries.