Meningitis UK urges parents with children born between 13th March 2003 and 3rd September 2005 to get the new Hib booster vaccination
Meningitis UK are warning parents to be vigilant of the fact that not all children are fully protected against Hib meningitis. From 10th September 2007, the Department of Health will be running a Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccination catch-up programme to offer the Hib booster to young children who have not previously received one. The programme will run until 3rd March 2009. Hib meningitis is caused by Haemophilus influenzae which can also cause pneumonia and septicaemia (blood poisoning). The Hib vaccination was introduced into the Childhood Immunisation Programme in 1992.
The catch-up programme will only affect children born between 13 March 2003 and 3 September 2005 who would have been too young to receive the Hib booster campaign in 2003 and too old to receive the new Hib/MenC booster introduced in September 2006. For the majority of these children, the Hib booster will be offered when they are given their pre-school immunisation.
Steve Dayman, Chief Executive of Meningitis UK, who lost his 14-month-old son, Spencer to meningitis and septicaemia in 1982, said "I would like to urge all parents in the United Kingdom who have children born between 13th March 2003 and 3rd September 2005 to ensure their child is given the Hib booster vaccination. As a father who has lost a child to meningitis and the Chief Executive of Meningitis UK, I know only to well the suffering and devastation that meningitis causes."
Meningitis UK warns that although there are vaccinations in the Childhood Immunisation Programme which protect against some strains of meningitis, they do not protect against all of them. Therefore, it is essential that parents are aware of the common symptoms of meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia and if they suspect something is wrong they must seek medical advice immediately. Key symptoms to look out for are a headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright light, aching limbs, cold hands and feet, and a rash which does not fade when pressed. Meningitis UK is a charity with a single focus - to find a vaccine to eradicate all forms of meningitis.
To find out more or support our search for a vaccine please phone 0117 373 7373 or visit www.meningitisUK.org
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