PUBLIC Health England (PHE) is starting a new vaccination programme, which offers young children protection against meningitis.

From September, 1, the MenB vaccination will be added to the NHS Childhood Immunisation Programme in England to help protect children against the meningococcal group B (MenB) strain of the disease.

Babies will be offered the MenB vaccine with the other routine vaccinations at two months, four months and 12-13 months of age.

Vaccinating babies at these times helps protect them when they are most at risk of developing MenB disease.

Infants under one year of age are most at risk of MenB and the number of cases peak at around five or six months of age.

Head of immunisation at Public Health England, Dr Mary Ramsay, said: “This vaccine will help to save lives and prevent permanent disability. Meningococcal B disease can be devastating for babies and young children and it has cut many lives short and left young people disabled.

“The disease develops rapidly and early symptoms in babies and young children can include a high fever with cold hands and feet, vomiting and refusing to feed, agitation, drowsiness or being floppy or unresponsive, grunting or breathing rapidly or having an unusual high-pitched or moaning cry.

“A classic sign is pale, blotchy skin, and a red rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it. Additional symptoms include having a tense, bulging soft spot on their head (fontanelle), having a stiff neck and an aversion to bright lights or having convulsions or seizures.

“We must all remain alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease and seek urgent medical attention if there is any concern as the vaccine does not protect against all types of meningococcal disease.”

In March 2014, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended a national MenB immunisation programme for infants using a three-dose schedule. In March 2015, the programme, using Bexsero® vaccine, was announced.