HEALTH charities and groups are urging parents to make sure their children get a new vaccination which will protect them against meningitis.


Meningitis Now and the Meningitis Research Foundation, which has its headquarters in Thornbury, are advocating the new MenACWY vaccination programme that will also protect young people against septicaemia.


The programme, launched on Monday, will see GPs invite teenagers aged 17 and 18-years-old for the vaccine.


Sue Davie, chief executive of Meningitis Now, said: “As a charity dealing with the consequences of the disease on a daily basis I would plead directly to parents to make sure that their children gets the Men ACWY vaccination.


“We are particularly concerned with those going to university or college in the autumn as they are at a higher risk from what has been called ‘freshers’ flu’.


“It is critical that young people are not complacent about the disease and they take the necessary steps to protect themselves, stay vigilant and seek urgent medical help if they suspect it.


“This is a cruel disease, it does not discriminate and could significantly alter the future outlook for young people if they are not protected or meningitis aware.”


Chris Head, chief executive of the Meningitis Research Foundation, said: “The rise in Men W ST-11 disease is particularly worrying as it causes more severe illness and a higher death rate than other strains.


“We urge all who are eligible to make sure they get MenACWY vaccine.”


Public Health England (PHE) is also welcoming the start of the vaccination programme which is being introduced in response to a rapidly growing increase in cases of a highly aggressive strain of meningococcal disease, group W.


Cases of MenW have been increasing year-on-year, from 22 cases in 2009 to 117 in 2014. It is currently responsible for around a quarter of all laboratory-confirmed meningococcal cases in England.


Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at PHE, said: “Meningitis can be deadly and survivors are often left with severe disabilities as a result of this terrible disease.


“This vaccine will save lives and prevent permanent disability.”