UK parents mistakenly believe their child is vaccinated against meningitis

More than two thirds of UK parents mistakenly believe their child is vaccinated against all forms of meningitis from the current vaccination programme.

Findings carried out on behalf of Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited, also discovered that just 19 per cent of parents were aware that children under the age of 12 months are at the greatest risk of meningitis.

In light of the results, UK charity Meningitis Trust, is urging parents to remain vigilant to the symptoms.

Meningitis kills more children under the age of five years than any other infection disease, with around 3,400 cases of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia every year in the UK.

Those who survive meningitis are often left with severe after-effects, including amputations, brain damage and hearing loss.

There is currently no vaccine to protect against meningococcal serogroup B (MenB), which is responsible for most deaths.

Chief Executive of UK charity Meningitis Trust and co-author of this international survey, says: “This misunderstanding about meningitis vaccine protection suggests that the majority of parents do not consider meningitis when their child is ill, thinking they are protected. Sadly, this can cost lives or lead to a child facing a future changed forever with devastating after-effects.”

“We have to address this complacency as a matter of urgency and ensure meningitis remains at the forefront of parents’ minds while there are not vaccines available for all types of this disease.”

For further information on the signs and symptoms of meningitis please visit www.meningitis-trust.org