A record breaking E-petition to extend meningitis B vaccinations will be discussed in the Commons today.
The vaccination against the infection is currently only available for infants but the petition wants to continue the treatment for children up to the age of 11. It is now the most signed petition in parliamentary history with over 823,000 signatures.
The petition was launched following the death of two-year-old Faye Burdett, from Kent, who died in February, after an 11-day battle with meningitis B. It was set up by Gateshead father-of-two Lee Booth after one of his daughters was refused the vaccine on age grounds.
MPs on the Commons health and petitions committees will listen to evidence from interested parents, charities and government advisers, with a further session next Tuesday.
A full vaccination treatment costs £75 and consists of three injections.
There are 12 known groups of meningococcal bacteria, and group B (meningitis B) is responsible for about 90% of meningococcal infections in the UK.
Meningitis B is fatal in about one in 10 cases and about one in four of those who survive is left with long-term problems, such as amputation, deafness, epilepsy and learning difficulties.
Four million children up to the age of four are at risk of contracting the infection. Approximately 26% of these cases occur within the first year of life.
Emily McGarr, 20, had meningitis when she was five months old, resulting in a lumber puncture. She said: “Personally I think we should be given it again before going to university because of the high outbreaks at university.”
Emily’s mum Nicola said: “I think it should be given to everyone but obviously the costs would be high, however it doesn’t stop all strains. I know people of specific ages are more likely to get it but anyone can come into contact with it and should be vaccinated.”
Emma Calder reports.
