A woman from Kent who survived meningitis is calling on the public to push for a Men B vaccine (meningococcal group B disease) as she knows first-hand of the devastating effects of the disease. Meningitis and septicaemia are deadly diseases that can strike anyone without warning, killing one in ten, and leaving a quarter of survivors with life-long after effects.
Diana Mann from Tunbridge Wells is supporting Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF)’s campaign ‘Counting the Cost of Meningitis’ which shows the shocking lifelong financial costs of surviving meningitis and septicaemia and is calling on the Government to pursue the widest and earliest implementation of vaccines to prevent the diseases.
Diana said: “I contracted meningococcal septicaemia in November 2007 and have had both lower legs and all the fingers on my right hand amputated. I also have epilepsy. As I get older I am likely to experience other health issues, some due to the active lifestyle I am leading on my prosthetic limbs, and others due to the significant medication I take each day. I’m supporting this campaign as I have survived meningitis and I think it’s really important to highlight the difficulties myself and others face in the future both financially and emotionally and to make sure a vaccine is available to prevent it happening to anyone else ”
As part of the ‘Counting the Cost of Meningitis’ campaign Diana is asking for support from the public and her local MP in writing to the Secretary of State for Health; calling for a Men B vaccine to be included in the childhood immunisation schedule as soon as one that is safe and effective is available and for the government to change its criteria for assessing the value of vaccination.
Christopher Head, Chief Executive of MRF said: “’Counting the Cost of Meningitis’ shows how those who survive can struggle to come to terms with the impact of these horrific diseases which change lives forever. Our campaign makes practical recommendations to Government to reduce the burden of disease through vaccination in the UK. Vaccination provides peace of mind for every parent across the country and to date over 4,000 people agree with us and have signed our online petition at www.meningitis.org/sign. I appeal to the people of Tunbridge Wells to sign our petition too and join the fight against meningitis and septicaemia.”
MRF have also launched a video to support their petition this week to help generate support for the campaign and raise awareness of the importance of vaccination. Visit www.meningitis.org to view and share with family and friends.
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