Meningitis vaccine delay could see hundreds of Brits die
MORE than 1,000 people have contracted meningitis in the UK, and about 100 are thought to have died, despite a vaccine being licensed for use in Europe two years ago.
The Government is still in talks with a drugs company over the price of the jab but figures released by the Department of Health reveal that 1,065 people, including 613 children, have contracted meningitis B since it was licensed for use.
Scientists recom mended in March last year that the vaccine should be given to all infants.
Yet almost a year on, despite the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommending Bexsero – the Department of Health has not been able to agree a price with makers Novartis since negotiations began last August.
Last night Luciana Berger, the shadow minister for public health, warned that lives were being lost while the Government haggles over the cost of the vaccine.
She said: “In the time that has passed since this life-saving vaccine was licensed, experts say more than 1,000 cases of meningitis B have been diagnosed and there are likely to have been around 100 deaths and many more children left with life changing consequences.
Time lost is lives lost.
“Ministers must be more transparent about these negotiations and strengthen their efforts to introduce this vaccine, which will save lives and prevent disability, as soon as possible.”
Last week former health minister Lord Darzi also condemned the delay in introducing the vaccine.
Professor Darzi, who revealed for the first time that he almost died of the disease aged five, has met Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to plead with him to introduce the vaccine on the NHS as soon as possible.
n the time that has passed since this life-saving vaccine was licensed, experts say more than 1,000 cases of meningitis B have been diagnosed and there are likely to have been around 100 deaths and many more children left with life changing consequences.
He said: “Every parent should be getting the vaccine through the NHS.”
Prime Minister David Cameron has said he wants to find a “cost effective way” of making the vaccine available.
But there has been stalemate over the cost of the jab to the NHS, which has not been revealed.
It is available privately at a cost of up to £600 in some areas. A spokesman for manuf cturer Novartis yesterday said it stands ready to supply Bexsero as soon as an agreement is reached.
He said: “Unfortunately the confidential nature of this process makes it impossible for Novartis Vaccines to comment further on any elements of the negotiations.”
A Department of Health spokesman said: “We want to see this vaccine introduced as soon as possible to help protect children from this devastating disease.
“The JCVI recommended that a meningitis B vaccine be introduced, but only at a cost-effective price, below the price published by Novartis.
“We need to make sure NHS funds are used effectively and negotiations are continuing.”
