19/07/2013

Call For Govt To Include New Vaccine In Child Immunisation Schedule

SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has urged the British government to include a new vaccine against meningitis B, which has the potential to save thousands of lives among children under 5, in the Routine Child Immunisation Schedule of the NHS.

Mr Durkan, who has already gained the support of 35 MPs at Westminster after tabling a parliamentary motion on the issue last week, said: "A new vaccine against meningitis B – Bexsero – has been licensed for use in the UK.

"This medical breakthrough has the potential to save thousands of lives especially among children under five.

"The vaccine's optimum impact would be achieved by its inclusion in the Routine Child Immunisation Schedule of the NHS.

"I applaud the Meningitis UK and Meningitis Trust campaign Meningitis B: Beat It Now which highlights the important opportunity to prevent the devastating impact of the most common form of meningitis in the UK. I also welcome their new awareness tour with giant mobile billboard and petition ahead of crucial meetings on whether Bexsero should be in the schedule."

(CD/MH)

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