Sir Roger Gale
Member of Parliament for Herne Bay and Sandwich (including West Thanet)
 

Gale backs Meningitis vaccine campaign

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February 26th 2014

 

North Thanet`s MP, Sir Roger Gale,  is backing a campaign to give all babies the meningitis B vaccine - after meeting families left devastated by the disease.
 
Sir Roger joined MPs from all parties and families directly affected by meningitis, to call on the government to make the vaccine available free on the NHS.
 
The campaign is being led by Meningitis Now, the UK’s largest meningitis charity
 
Roger says:: “In the next few weeks the Health Secretary will decide whether to make the Meningitis B vaccine available to all babies on the NHS, as part of the national immunisation programme. 
 
“The lives of some families in my own constituency have been turned upside down by this disease.
 
“This vaccine has the potential to save two children’s lives 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.”
 
The UK 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 B accounts for 50% of the total cases of bacterial meningitis in the UK.
 
Meningitis Now has been campaigning to bring in the B vaccine since January 2013 and has collected 36,000 signatures on a petition.
 
Meningitis Now chief executive Sue Davie said: “I want to thank Sir Roger for his support and for taking time out to meet families affected by meningitis.
 
“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 the UK in January 2013 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 in its February 2014 meeting and will make a recommendation to the Health Secretary.
 
Jeremy Hunt is expected to consider the recommendation in March and publish a decision the same month. It is not known what the outcome will be.
 
For more information on Meningitis Now, the disease and how to support the Beat it Now! vaccine campaign visit www.meningitisnow.org  

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