Warnings about the dangers of meningitis have been issues as World Meningitis Day kicks off tomorrow, Saturday 24 April.
Three leading charities, Meningitis UK, Meningitis Trust and Meningitis Research Foundation have teamed up to help raise awareness about the vaccinations available for the disease that kills 300 people each year.
While many vaccines are available for meningitis, there isn’t currently one for meningitis B, the most common strain in the UK.
Chief Executive of Meningitis UK, Steve Dayman, who lost his son Spencer to the disease, says there have been advances in the last few years, but World Meningitis Day is a great opportunity to remind people about the different vaccines available.
“Together we can help raise awareness, share knowledge and fund research in the hope that one day families will be spared the heartache of losing a loved one to this devastating disease,” explained Steve. “It’s an opportunity to remind people of the importance of vaccine uptake and symptoms recognition.”
To find out more about meningitis, check out our lowdown on meningitis lingo, the meningitis symptoms to watch out for in babies and toddlers and one mum's story about her daughter surviving meningitis.
