Medical Negligence Lawyers Support Meningitis B Vaccine Campaign

Medical law experts support the campaign to raise awareness of Meningitis, and to make the Meningitis B vaccine available to all children, after a number of high-profile cases and reports that the vaccine is in short supply.

The manufacturers of the vaccine have indicated they are struggling to keep up with demand and the lack of supply means that only babies who qualify under the NHS scheme will be eligible for the vaccine.

Since September the NHS has offered jabs for babies aged two months, followed by a second does at four months and a booster at 12 months. Other children will only be given the vaccine if they can pay for the vaccination privately and if they can find a GP practice that has it in stock.

A petition has been launched to make the vaccine available to all children, not just newborn babies. The parents of Faye Burdett, who died earlier this month after battling Meningitis, shared a picture of her in hospital, which has resulted in thousands of people signing the online petition.

Former England rugby star Matt Dawson has spoken of the “two weeks of hell” after his son was diagnosed with Meningitis.

Anita Jewitt, an expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said:

Expert Opinion

Sadly, through our work we see time and time again the devastating after effects of meningitis and it is important improvements are made when it comes to diagnosing the disease. <br/> <br/>“Early diagnosis and treatment is absolutely vital for the chances of survival and recovery in young people. <br/> <br/>“Meningitis can have serious and long-term implications for those affected, with many children who develop the disease suffering life-changing injuries such as brain damage and limb loss. <br/> <br/>“The disparity in children being able to access this vaccine must be addressed as a matter of urgency, and parents and doctors should continue to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis because it is vital to act quickly – every minute counts. <br/> <br/>“Currently, the short supply of the vaccine and the lack of access to the vaccine for older children is causing concern among parents and must be addressed quickly. Anita Jewitt - Partner