Justin Tomlinson MP is backing a charity’s call to end delays and introduce a vaccine to protect babies against Meningitis B as soon as possible.
Justin recently attended an event with leading charity Meningitis Now, to discuss the impact meningitis has in the UK and meet families affected by the disease. The UK has one of the world’s highest Meningitis B rates and it kills more of the country’s under-fives than any other infectious disease.
Meningitis Now said there have been 1,000 cases of meningococcal group B disease (Men B) since the new vaccine Bexsero received its licence in January 2013 – yet the vaccine still hasn’t been given to babies. Of these cases, around 400 people will have died or suffered disabilities.
Back in March, the Government said the vaccine would be given free to babies up to age one on the NHS, subject to negotiations with developer Novartis. Now Justin is backing the call to finish negotiations and get the vaccine implemented.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: “I am pleased that the Government is working to ensure that a Meningitis B vaccine is available and I know that Meningitis Now will work with the Department of Health to guarantee this is done quickly – a move I support!”
