Vaccine to fight meningitis in children

A VACCINE for a life-threatening form of meningitis for children has been added to the childhood immunisation programme.

The vaccine is available for all babies born on or after July 1 and will be given to children at two, six and 12 months. Children up to two years old can also avail of the vaccine free of charge through a catch-up programme over the coming months.

The pneumococcal vaccine, which cost in the region of €25 million-€30m, will protect children against serious and life-threatening diseases including pneumococcal meningitis, septicaemia (blood poisoning), pneumonia and middle ear infection.