Meningitis Trust: Vaccinations are vital

People must continue to receive vaccinations for meningitis to keep the level of deaths from the disease low, according to the Meningitis Trust.

Data from the immunisation director shows that there were no deaths in under 19s from MenC (MeningococcalC/meningitis) last year.

Meningitis Trust chief executive Sue Davie said the charity is "delighted" at the news but said people must continue to be vigilant.

"It is important for people to continue to receive vaccinations and ensure their children are vaccinated, to keep the level of this strain of meningitis as low as it is now," she explained.

"Vaccination is the only way to prevent meningitis and save lives, and the success of this vaccine has proved that it works.

"However, although this vaccine has prevented many cases of meningitis, there are still many other strains of the disease for which there is no vaccine."

As there is no vaccine against all strains of the disease the Meningitis Trust urges people to "remain vigilant of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and to trust their instincts".

"We fully support any advances in vaccines as we see first-hand the impact meningitis can have on the individual, their family, friends and colleagues," said Ms Davie.

"Every day we hear how people's lives have been changed forever after contracting meningitis, so anything that may prevent this suffering is fully supported by us."