Meningitis Research Foundation heads to No 10 to raise awareness of the life-threatening disease
Today the Meningitis Research Foundation, who are eager to see a wider and more complete vaccination programme to target the disease, are taking their case to Downing Street. As Meningitis Awareness Week kicks off, the charity are going armed with a 17,000 strong petition in the hope they can urge the Government to implement vaccinations that would prevent all types of meningitis and septicaemia. Every year 3,600 in the UK and Ireland are affected by meningitis and septicaemia. According to the charity, children under 5 years of age are most at risk of the diseases that can cause death, deafness, brain damage and the loss of limbs. While vaccination programmes are in place for certain strains, there is no vaccination for meningococcal B septicaemia. The charity is eager to propel the Government into action, but also to raise general awareness of the disease. Follow our links below for your guide to meningitis, the symptoms, treatments and vaccinations available.
