Meningitis UK welcomes the introduction of the Pneumococcal vaccine but stresses the battle against Meningitis B goes on
Meningitis UK is delighted about the introduction of a vaccine to protect against pneumococcal meningitis which will undoubtedly save countless lives and is another significant step towards the charity's goal. Meningitis UK's vision is a vaccine to eradicate meningitis altogether.
Although successful vaccines exist to protect against certain strains of meningitis, there is still no vaccine to protect against the most common form of the disease - meningococcal group B, which also causes septicaemia. Therefore, finding a vaccine is still as urgent as ever and it is still important that people are aware of the symptoms of meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia and act fast if they suspect something is wrong.
Chief Executive of Meningitis UK Steve Dayman, who lost his 14 month-old son Spencer to meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia, said ‘We are really pleased that from 4th September 2006 this vaccine will be part of the Child Immunisation Programme. This is a big step, but there is still more work to be done. We have thousands of friends and supporters throughout the country, many of whom have experienced the devastation meningitis can cause.
Together we strive towards a better understanding of the disease and to find a vaccine to prevent the heartache and suffering it can cause. Through dogged persistent research and with the support of the general public, we are confident that a vaccine can be developed to protect against all forms of the disease.'
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
