We recognise and welcome the actions taken by Government in September 2015 to introduce the Men B vaccine to babies under the age of one, which they clarified in their statement responding to the petition
We also understand the need for data to be gathered on aspects such as efficacy and duration of protection with this new vaccine and that further research is required to understand whether immunisation of adolescents will lead to herd protection.
Our issue, as a charity representing people affected, is that we are now two years on since the JCVI recommended this study and, whilst we are pleased to read in the Government statement that there is Preparatory research that has been commissioned and is underway, we still have no indication of when the full study will commence or be completed by. We therefore continue to call for the under 5s to be protected while we wait for the data to be gathered and because of the length of time it is taking to progress the study.
We keenly await information about the process of MPs speaking to families and health experts, prior to a debate in Parliament and will ensure that we continue to be the voice for people affected by this devastating disease.
