The Member of Parliament for Eastleigh, Mims Davies, has urged young people across her Eastleigh constituency to get vaccinated against Meningococcal disease.
Commenting Mims said:
“I am pleased to be able to support charities Meningitis Now and the Meningitis Research Foundation in raising awareness over the importance of getting vaccinated against Meningococcal disease.”
“A close family friend of mine was diagnosed, and it really brought home how frighteningly quickly this illness can to take hold. Luckily great NHS treatment means she’s on the mend, but similar to other cases, it was a hugely concerning time.”
“2000 people are affected by this disease each year, with 1 in 20 cases of meningitis proving to be fatal, and death rates highest among our teenagers and young adults.”
“Following today’s event in Parliament, I will be writing to the CCG to ask what action they are taking to increase take-up of this life saving vaccination locally. In the meantime, I would urge younger people across my Eastleigh constituency to make contact with their GP surgery if they haven’t already had this vaccination.”
Immunisation through vaccination remains one of the most cost-effective ways to save lives, improve health, and ensure long-term prosperity. Vaccination has saved more lives and prevented more serious diseases than any other advancement in recent medical history.
Commenting further, Mims said:
“I welcome the work that has been carried out to get more young people vaccinated against Meningococcal Disease, particularly those in our universities where uptake continues to increase, and I look forward to similar progress being made in our colleges going forward.”
Common signs & symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia:
- Fever, cold hands and feet.
- Vomiting.
- Drowsy, difficult to wake.
- Confusion and irritability.
- Severe muscle pain.
- Pale, blotchy skin. Spots/rash.
- Severe headache.
- Stiff neck.