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01/09/2015
Meningitis B Vaccinations For Newborn Babies Begins Across UK
A new programme is underway to vaccinate all newborn babies against meningitis B in the UK.
It is understood the scheme, which begins today 1 September, is the first of its kind in the world.
Babies will be offered the MenB vaccine with other routine vaccinations at two months, four months and 12 to 13 months of age.
Infants aged under one are most at risk of MenB, with the number of cases peaking at around five or six months.
The vaccine will help protect children against the disease, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia.
Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at Public Health England, said: "This vaccine will help to save lives and prevent permanent disability."
Christopher Head, Chief Executive of Meningitis Research Foundation, added: "We are delighted the MenB vaccine has been introduced as it has been at the top of this charity’s agenda for many years.
"This vaccine could potentially prevent up to 4,000 cases of meningococcal disease in children younger than five years in the UK.
"However, we must remind the public that there are still some forms of the disease which are not covered by vaccines so it is vital that people are still aware of the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia."
(LM)
It is understood the scheme, which begins today 1 September, is the first of its kind in the world.
Babies will be offered the MenB vaccine with other routine vaccinations at two months, four months and 12 to 13 months of age.
Infants aged under one are most at risk of MenB, with the number of cases peaking at around five or six months.
The vaccine will help protect children against the disease, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia.
Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at Public Health England, said: "This vaccine will help to save lives and prevent permanent disability."
Christopher Head, Chief Executive of Meningitis Research Foundation, added: "We are delighted the MenB vaccine has been introduced as it has been at the top of this charity’s agenda for many years.
"This vaccine could potentially prevent up to 4,000 cases of meningococcal disease in children younger than five years in the UK.
"However, we must remind the public that there are still some forms of the disease which are not covered by vaccines so it is vital that people are still aware of the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia."
(LM)
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