UK rejects Meningitis B vaccine on NHS

[Duplogiraffe]

www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-23422973

What are your thoughts ? Is anyone going to consider it privately ? I am unsure at this point.

Are the meningitis rates in the UK still so much higher than many other countries in Europe? (genuine question - I don't know the answer)

We live in Germany and last year I happened to mention to our paediatrician that we were going to the UK. He recommended a meningitis booster (I think it was for B) because German paeds are apparently taught that GB is comparatively high risk for the disease. But he conceded himself that he didn't have the current figures. And after all, this is the country that won't let me give blood because they're convinced I have BSE, so I'm not sure how reliable their health data is.

Thinking of going privately asap, does anyone know of any down side to this vaccination; basically is it safe? Thanks

Can you tell me the names of the clinics you have used please?

Just looked this up to see what the incidence of Men B in the UK actually is. Glad to see that the number of cases have generally been falling - even without the vaccine. HPA figures for England and Wales

I saw Dr Ranj talking about it on This Morning today and have also been thinking about going private but DH isn't convinced about the safety of the vaccination.

The links at the bottom of this page are very positive about it but I've also found this which is a bit scary. I respect DH's feelings if he really is against it but I don't know if I should be trying to talk him round to it or not (DD has had all of her routine vaccinations and he had no issue with this).

I will be getting Men B vaccine for my baby when it's born, and for myself as soon as I can. My older brother died terribly from meningitis B, he suffered terribly and died within 12 hours of the first symptoms.

The incidence in the UK does seem to be declining slightly some the introduction of Meningitis C vaccination in 1998, but there are still an estimated 3500 cases in the UK every year, with about 10% of those being fatal, and many more resulting in severe disability and loss of limbs.

The vaccine is currently being reviewed for NHS use, a decision is due by the end of March, so fingers crossed it will be introduced! Even if it isn't I will pay for it, though I really don't have that kind of money to spare!

More info on Men B and the vaccine can be found here: www.meningitis.org/menb
The UK has highest infant death rates of Men B in Europe... Something I personally think should scream for this vaccination to be on the NHS.

You can also sign a petition here: m.meningitisnow.org/about-us/campaigns/beat-it-now/

Just to let you know of a clinic we used for men b - fleetstreetclinic in London - private clinic but really happy with service!

We also used fleet street clinic and likewise were very happy with the service. Very easy to make an appointment and no waiting time.

Babyjabs in Central London has been offering this vaccine for the past few months, I had a consultation with the medical director there who said about 70 babies have had the vaccine from here...

I just got my kids 8-6 and 19 months vaccinated yesterday at the Smart Clinic in London.
When my 19 month old was 6 weeks she contracted viral meningitis and it terrified me.
To know my kids are at least protected from this disease does give me peace og mind. I know it is expensive but I believe it is worth it.

I'm trying to source this vaccine privately in Cornwall. Every practice I phone says the same thing basically they aren't aware that it is available privately and they don't offer the service. This includes the private Duchy hospital. Has anyone else had better luck?