New national campaign launched to raise awareness of dangerous infection symptoms.

This week Parliament had the opportunity to debate the availability of the Meningitis B vaccine to older children. Having already raised the issue with Ministers on behalf of a number of families in Norwich North, I know all vaccination programmes are kept under constant review, guided by the very best scientific advice, so that we can continue to protect the children who are most at risk. I also received confirmation from Ministers that the NHS supply of vaccine is not threatened by the global shortage, which is certainly most welcome.

 

The debate came after the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), who advises the Government on all immunisation matters, examined the evidence and decided not to recommend the use of the Meningitis B vaccine in other age groups besides newborns.  The vaccine is available though for the small number of older children who are at increased risk of infection, such as those with specific immune problems.
 

I of course recognise and appreciate the heartfelt concern felt by parents, but I also believe that governments must remain mindful of scientific advice. I understand the JCVI has advised that further research is needed into the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing transition of infection in adolescents and I am assured that the Government is working with health organisations to address this.

 

Since September 2015, babies have been offered the Men B vaccine aged 2 months old, with boosters at 4 months and 12 months, as part of the routine NHS childhood vaccination programme. The Government is investing an additional £10 billion into the NHS over the course of this Parliament, which has enabled us to become the first country in the world to implement a national, publically funded meningitis B vaccination programme.  I think that's something which we should be proud of, and I am closely monitoring the next steps as regards effectiveness in other age groups.

 

I welcome the Minister’s comments during the debate about work to raise awareness of Meningitis, both among health professionals and parents. Public Health England produces a range of training materials for immunisers, which includes information on the various programmes. It also collaborates with the charities in this area to support their work to improve healthcare worker knowledge. Furthermore, NHS England provides tools to help GPs recognise meningitis. From the Minister’s comments in the debate it is clear that a great deal of work is going on in this area, but of course there is always a need to do more.

 

Finally the Minister also announced at the debate that Public Health England will be developing a national awareness campaign focusing on the dangerous infections that parents worry about the most, including Meningitis, Septicaemia and Sepsis. The campaign will focus on the symptoms that parents need to look out for. Early diagnosis is crucial so I welcome this initiative.