This follows as it has been revealed that a lifesaving vaccine against meningitis B, which could be given to babies for just £20 per dose, has yet to be introduced due to unsettled negotiations over cost.
Indeed, it has emerged that the NHS has failed to agree on a price on the Bexsero jab, after a staggering nine months of talks.
Talk first turned to the potentially huge benefits of Bexsero back in March 2014, with the jab recommended for all infants as part of a national immunisation programme.
With approval subject to price agreements between the manufacturer and the Department of Health however, the delay in coming to an agreement has prevented its introduction.
Commenting on the delay, chief executive of the Meningitis Research Foundation Chris Head said: “These price negotiations have been ongoing since July 2014. Meanwhile, babies and children continue to die or suffer devastating injury, with lifelong costs to the government of someone seriously disabled from the disease ranging from £3 million to £4,5 million.”
Responding to queries regarding the introduction of the vaccine, an NHS spokesperson said: “We are very clear that we want to see this vaccine introduced as soon as possible to help protect children from this devastating disease – but only at a price that represents good value for money for the NHS.”
Let’s hope that this can be sorted as soon as possible, so as to provide the best possible care and protection to our little ones.
