A Derry couple who lost their infant son to meningitis have welcomed news that a new MenB vaccine is to made available on the NHS (National Health Service).
Foyle SDLP MP Mark Durkan (centre) with Emma and Darren Cowey.
Emma and Darren Cowey had been campaigning for the introduction of the vaccine following the death of their nine-month-old son Jamie who contracted meningitis B (Bexsero) in November 2004.
The couple’s campaign had been supported by Foyle SDLP MP Mark Durkan who tabled parliamentary motions and campaigned at Westminster with the charity Meningitis Now, calling on the government to introduce the new vaccine.
Mr Durkan said he was delighted the new vaccine was to be made available on the NHS.
He added: “I am glad the Joint Committee have revised their previous perverse assessment of the value of including the vaccine in the immunisation schedule.
“The fact that the Joint Committee has moved to the prospective advocated by parents and children who have experienced meningitis B – as well as practitioners and parliamentarians – is a real achievement by a timely and compelling campaign.
“As the Minister’s letter today indicates, the focus will now be on getting the best price deal for the vaccine on the NHS rather than the previous position which questioned its efficacy and value.
“Given that it took five years to get the meningitis C vaccine on the schedule, today’s announcement is really welcome progress – even while we await the subsequent implementation.
“My own constituents Darren and Emma Cowey were typical of the character of the campaign that was fought – having lost their young son to meningitis B and wanting vaccination to spare others from that risk.”
Mr Durkan concluded: “I have spoken to them today to congratulate them on the difference that they have helped to make by their generous campaigning work for other parents and children.”
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