A Derry couple who lost their infant son to Meningitis are fronting a campaign for the introduction of a new vaccine which they say will save thousands of children’s lives.
Emma and Darren Cowey with Foyle SDLP MP Mark Durkan who is backing their campaign,
Emma and Darren Cowey’s nine-month-old son Jamie died less than 24 hours after his first symptom of Meningitis B developed in November 2004.
The Tullyally couple’s campaign has won the support of SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan who has tabled a parliamentary motion at Westminster reiterating his call on the Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt, to take all appropriate steps towards introducing the new Meningitis B vaccine, Bexsero.
Mr Durkan said Meningitis B remained the leading cause of bacterial meningitis affecting children under five, was difficult to diagnose, strikes fast and killed or seriously disabled in hours.
He added: “However, a revolutionary new drug, Bexsero, (which is estimated to cover 88% of MenB) was licensed last year and is still undergoing consideration for inclusion in the childhood immunisation schedule (CIS).
“I am therefore encouraging the Health Secretary to take all appropriate steps towards introducing this new vaccine which would save thousands of lives and prevent disability.
“Emma and Darren know the devastating impact of Meningitis B on a family.
“Through raising funds and awareness they have been doing all they can to spare other families that same pain and loss.”
Mr Durkan concluded: “As their MP, I am committed to doing the same, not least by lobbying to ensure that this new vaccine is adopted for wider immunisation use.”
Notes to Editors
Please find attached photo of Foyle MP Mark Durkan supporting the local campaign for the introduction of the new MenB vaccine with Emma and Darren Cowey from Tullyally, Derry.
Tags: