Hereford mum urges government to push for meningitis vaccine (From Hereford Times)

Hereford mum urges government to push for meningitis vaccine

7:00am Tuesday 22nd November 2011 in Health

A MOTHER with first-hand experience of the devastating effects of meningitis is urging the government to push for a Men B vaccine Jo Lofting’s son, Jack, contracted meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia at 13 months in 1997 and spent three days in intensive care.

Now, at 15, the Barrs Court pupil suffers from epilepsy, has global developmental delay, is non-verbal and unable to eat and drink properly.

“He has many other disabilities,” said Ms Lofting, aged 42, of Waggoners Way, Redhill.

“But he’s extremely happy and totally unaware he is different from other people. I am supporting this campaign to ensure everyone is aware of the dangers of the disease and ensure every child is vaccinated against Men B.”

The Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF)’s campaign ‘Counting the Cost of Meningitis’ aims to highlight the lifelong financial costs of surviving meningitis and septicaemia.

For details visit meningitis.org.