SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has stepped up the campaign to make the new meningitis B vaccine Bexsero available for all babies for free on the NHS – ahead of a decision by Britain’s Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt in the coming weeks.
Mr Durkan joined MPs from all parties and families directly affected by meningitis at Westminster this week as part of the campaign led by Meningitis Now, Britain’s largest meningitis charity.
The Foyle MP, who has tabled a parliamentary motion calling on the government to introduce the new vaccine, is also supporting the campaign by Derry parents Emma and Darren Cowey who lost their nine-month-old son Jamie to Meningitis B less than 24 hours after his first symptom developed in November 2004.
Mr Durkan said: “In the next few weeks the Health Secretary will decide whether to make the new Meningitis B vaccine available to all babies on the NHS, as part of the national immunisation programme.
“The lives of so many families in Derry and across the North have been turned upside down by this disease.
“This vaccine has the potential to save the lives of two children every week, and that’s why I’m supporting Meningitis Now and asking the government to make the right choice – bring in the vaccine now.”
Britain has one of the highest Meningitis B incidence rates in the world, affecting an average of 1,870 people each year over the last 10 years, most of whom are babies and children.
Meningitis Now chief executive Sue Davie thanked Mark Durkan for his “continuing suppor” and for “taking time out” to meet families affected by meningitis.
She added: “We are sending a clear message to the government – put babies and children’s lives before cost and make the decision to introduce the Meningitis B vaccine now.”
The meningitis B vaccine was licensed for use in Britain last year and has been considered twice by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), in June then October 2013.
After seeking more evidence on cost-effectiveness, the JCVI considered the vaccine its meeting last month and will make a recommendation to the Health Secretary who expected to consider the recommendation and publish his decision later this month.
For more information on Meningitis Now, the disease and how to support the Beat it Now! vaccine campaign visit www.meningitisnow.org.
Tags:
