NI babies to get meningitis B vaccine

The Meningitis B vaccine is to be given to newborn babies in Northern Ireland.

The vaccine will be given to babies at two, four and 12 months old as part of routine immunisations.

Meningitis B is a bacterial infection that usually affects children under the age of one. It can cause severe brain damage and is fatal in one in 10 cases.

Stormont Health Minister Simon Hamilton said the vaccine's introduction was "an historic step forward in fighting this devastating disease".

"I would encourage the parents of every eligible baby to protect their child with this vaccine," he said.

'Routine appointments'

The Men B vaccination programme is being introduced across the UK.

The vaccine is available for babies born on or after 1 July 2015, and a temporary catch-up programme will also target babies born since May who have missed the first jabs.

Dr Richard Smithson of the Public Health Agency said the vaccinations would be offered at "routine immunisation appointments at their GP rather than having to make any additional appointments".

"The Men B vaccine will help guard your baby against meningococcal B bacteria, so it is important that you help protect your child with this immunisation," he said.

Signs of meningitis B infection include a fever with cold hands and feet, agitation, confusion, vomiting and headaches.

Children can also be floppy and sometimes develop a red rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it.

The Department of Health said that, as with many vaccines, the Men B vaccine might cause side effects, which are usually mild and do not last long.

It said that to reduce the risk of a fever, parents should use liquid paracetamol after vaccination and give two further doses about four to six hours apart.