David Rutley MP attended a Meningitis Now reception to learn more about the challenges faced by families affected by Meningitis B.
At the event, Meningitis Now outlined its policy priorities for the coming year, including promoting early diagnosis of Meningitis; funding research into prevention and helping shape national policy on after-care.
David was invited to the event following his support for the Meningitis B vaccine, which is to be included in the National Immunisation Programme. Meningitis Now launched its campaign to bring in the B vaccine in January 2013. On 21st March this year, the Government announced that its vaccine committee – the JCVI – had recommended the vaccine for inclusion in the National Immunisation Programme, subject to price negotiations with vaccine manufacturer Novartis.
Meningitis Now will continue its Beat it Now! campaign until the vaccine is formally introduced. Local residents can find out more about the campaign at www.MeningitisNow.org/beat-it-now
David and other MPs met with Meningitis Now founder Steve Dayman MBE, who began the meningitis movement in the UK after losing his son Spencer to the disease in 1982. He said, “I want to thank David for his continued support with the introduction of the vaccine and for taking time to meet people personally affected by meningitis.”
David said, “I understand the impact Meningitis B can have on a family and I am pleased that the Government has indicated that it will introduce the vaccine for all babies. I would like to thank Meningitis Now and its supporters for their efforts in campaigning to make the vaccine available on the NHS.”