The parents of Meningitis B survivor Harmonie-Rose Allen have welcomed a new vaccination to protect babies against the disease which will be offered to children under the age of four months.
The new vaccination will be available from 1st September 2015.
GP practices will offer the vaccine alongside other routine infant vaccines at two months, four months, and 12 months of age.
There will also be a temporary catch-up programme for babies who are due their three and four month vaccinations in September.
NHS Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (BaNES CCG) is encouraging parents to watch out for a letter from their GP practice and to ensure that they book their baby in for an appointment when the time comes.
Meningitis B is a serious disease which predominantly affects babies and children under the age of five, affecting the membrane around the brain and the spinal cord.
It can cause severe brain damage and even death, with around one in 10 not surviving the illness.
Harmonie-Rose, who lives in Bath, contracted Meningitis B in September last year when she was just nine months old.
She defied the odds by making a full recovery but sadly had to have both her arms and legs amputated.
Her mum Freya said she hopes the new vaccination will help to prevent other babies from getting the disease.
She said: “It’s amazing that this vaccination is available now. If it can prevent what happened to Harmonie happening to another baby then it’s worth it.”
“Harmonie is learning to live with her disabilities but it has changed her life forever. Prevention is better than cure. Everyone thinks it will never happen to their child, I know I didn’t.”
The MenB vaccine, which has been thoroughly tested and meets strict safety criteria, is offered in addition to the Meningitis C (MenC) vaccine, which has been very successful at protecting children against MenC disease but does not protect against other strains of meningococcal bacteria.
Meningitis B is responsible for most cases of meningococcal disease in babies, young children and teenagers in this country.
Meningococcal disease can occur at any age but, in infants, the number of cases peak at five months of age.
This is because a baby’s immune system is not yet fully developed to fight off serious infections. The first vaccinations therefore have to be given early and it is important for babies to have the vaccinations on time, helping to protect them before they are at highest risk of developing the disease.
The MenB vaccine will not protect against other bacteria and viruses that can cause meningitis and septicaemia.
It is therefore important to remain alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease and seek urgent medical attention if there is any concern.
Rebecca Reynolds, Consultant in Public Health at Bath & North East Somerset Council said: “The disease develops rapidly and early symptoms can include headache, vomiting, muscle pain and fever with cold hands and feet.
“Be aware of all signs and symptoms and trust your instincts – don’t wait for a rash to develop before seeking urgent medical attention.”
GP practices will contact parents by writing to them. If for any reason parents are not contacted or cannot make the appointment they have been given they are advised to contact their GP practice to get another appointment as early as possible.
If you are at all worried about your baby’s health at any time, then trust your instincts and speak to your GP or call 111.
