The mother of a girl who lost all her limbs to meningitis is urging young people to get vaccinated after health figures showed 53,000 eligible individuals in the South West have not received their first dose, bbc.com reported. Harmonie-Rose contracted meningococcal septicaemia in 2014 at just 10 months old, spending four months in intensive care with a 10% chance of survival.
Harmonie-Rose’s Illness and Recovery in Bath
Freya, Harmonie-Rose’s mother, recalled that her daughter went from babbling and attempting to climb out of her cot to becoming a silent baby within a single day. Initially presenting with symptoms resembling a regular cold, a small purple mark appeared on the infant’s nose and rapidly spread across her entire body.
Now 12 years old and in Year 8 at school, Harmonie-Rose participates in swimming, gymnastics, and dancing. Despite winning awards and attending school, she has to find unique ways to perform everyday tasks that come easily to other children, according to her family.
Thousands of eligible South West students remain unprotected against MenB
Data from the UK Health Security Agency indicates that more than 30% of eligible people in the South West have received one dose of the MenB vaccine through a one-off NHS vaccination programme launched this summer. However, 53,000 young people in the region who qualify remain unprotected.
Dr Matthew Dominey, public health consultant and screening and immunisation lead for NHS England South West, stated that Meningitis B can be life-threatening and kill. He noted that the risk spikes for students entering their first year of university due to close contact, kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, and living together.
Frequently Asked Questions About the MenB Vaccine
How many doses of the MenB vaccine are required?
Two doses of the MenB vaccine are required to be administered at least 28 days apart to secure protection against the disease.
Where can students obtain the vaccine?
Students can receive the vaccine from local pharmacies, and appointments can be booked directly through the NHS website.
Who is currently being targeted by the NHS vaccination programme?
The UK Health Security Agency is specifically urging young people, particularly university freshers, to protect themselves following the deaths of three students from meningitis earlier this year.
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