THE Meningitis Research Foundation is encouraging the public to take up new free meningitis vaccines for babies, teenagers and first time university students during Meningitis Awareness Week (14 -20 September).

On September 1 the UK introduced the world’s first comprehensive vaccine programme for babies against meningococcal B (MenB) meningitis and septicaemia into the UK’s immunisation programme. Also a meningococcal ACWY (Men ACWY) vaccine programme began in August for 14 to 18 year old schoolchildren and 19 to 25 year olds starting university for the first time.

Chief executive of the Meningitis Research Foundation Chris Head said: ‘We are delighted with the introduction of these new vaccines which we hope will further reduce the number of cases in the UK. But we wish to remind the public that not everyone is eligible for the vaccines and some forms of the disease are not covered by these vaccines so it is vital that people are still aware of the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia.’

For any questions about meningitis, septicaemia and vaccination call MRF’s Freefone helpline on 080 8800 3344 or log on to www.meningitis.org