News
Back to News Archive
Catch the pneumococcal vaccine catch-up
20 March 2007
National charity Meningitis Research Foundation is encouraging parents of under-two year olds to take advantage of the pneumococcal vaccine catch-up campaign before it finishes at the end of March.
A new vaccine was introduced into the childhood immunisation programme last September, which provides protection against pneumococcal disease, including pneumococcal meningitis.
The introduction included a catch-up campaign for babies and children born between 5 September 2004 and 3 July 2006 who have already received their routine vaccinations. Pneumococcal vaccine will continue to be offered through the routine childhood immunisation programme, but the catch-up campaign concludes at the end of March in England.
Pneumococcal meningitis is more life-threatening than other major types of meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). It has a higher death rate, and leaves around half of survivors with permanent disabilities that can be as severe as brain damage, deafness and cerebral palsy. There are some 530 cases of severe pneumococcal disease annually in the under twos in England and Wales alone and approximately 50 deaths. This vaccine will not only save children's lives but will spare at least 100 more children from the devastating after effects of the infection.
Meningitis Research Foundation's Chief Executive Denise Vaughan said: "Meningitis Research Foundation encourages all parents of children in the catch-up age group to take this opportunity to get extra protection for their children against this deadly disease. The vaccine is working, and many lives will be saved."
Denise continued: "However, not all forms of meningitis and septicaemia are vaccine preventable, so the public needs to be aware of the symptoms of these diseases. Free symptoms information is available from our website at www.meningitis.org or by calling our Freefone 24 hour helpline - 080 8800 3344."
Media Contact: Julia Warren 01454 281811 or 07711 057875