Does your child need Meningitis B Vaccine?
We are delighted to announce that Chelsea Pharmacy Medical Clinic is hosting a mothers’ breakfast event at the prestigious South Kensington Club with our Consultant Paediatrician Dr Fathima Mahomed, who will lead a discussion on the Meningitis B Vaccine.
The event will provide an informative and informal, yet factual discussion around the concerns surrounding the Meningitis B Vaccine. Dr Fathima will share her expertise on the disease and its methods of prevention in general. She will advise you based on medical and scientific evidence and what is in the interest of you and your child. Sometimes the press can, deliberately or not, peddle misconceptions, but when it comes to what is best for your child, it’s about knowing the facts rather than acting according to misplaced fear.
To find a solution for protecting your child, Dr Fathima will clear up all these misconceptions and give you the facts as they truly are. We will cover questions such as:
- What do we do in this situation when there is not enough vaccine available?
- Is it imperative that your child is vaccinated?
- No vaccination – what are the consequences, what are the consequences for choosing not to vaccinate?
- You will also have the opportunity to ask any of your own questions that you may have.
Meningitis, or meningococcal disease, means swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord.Meningitis can be bacterial or viral, but bacterial meningitis is more harmful and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening. There are 12 known groups of meningococcal bacteria, but approximately 90% of the incidents are caused by group B bacteria (Meningitis B). Septicaemia, or blood poisoning, is a severe medical condition strongly linked to the disease, and the aforementioned bacteria can cause meningitis, septicaemia, or both.Meningitis B is fatal in about one in 10 cases, yet about one in four affected by the disease are left with life-long disabilities, such as amputation, deafness, epilepsy and learning difficulties.
Common Symptoms include:
- High fever
- Pale, blotchy skin
- Red rash
- Cold hands and feet
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Seizures
According to Meningitis Research Foundation, about 26% of meningitis cases occur in the first year of life and 59% in children under the age of five.Their recent report estimates suggests that 4 million children are at risk concerning the 0 to 4 age bracket. The incident rate within the age group is 1 in 20,000.
As Meningitis B mostly affects children under one, experts say they chose this risk group to be routinely immunised. Charity Meningitis Now believes there is enough evidence to support immunising children under five to prevent infection.
The discussion around Meningitis B Vaccine is widespread in the media now, as has been highlighted by both TV, print and social media. The main concern for parents is whether or not to vaccinate your child at your own cost, as the Meningitis B jab is routinely only given to infants in the UK. In total, 3 vaccination jabs are required for Meningitis B immunisation.
The event has limited places and participation fee is £30, which includes a healthy fresh breakfast prepared by the chefs at South Kensington Club.
13th of April, 10.15-11.45 at South Kensington Club
38-42 Harrington Road,
SW7 3ND
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