MENINGITIS B VACCINE

Early day motion 728, tabled 22 January 2015 by Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party). Signed by 36 members.

That this House notes that it is two years since 22 January 2013 when a meningitis B vaccine was licensed for use in Europe, including the UK, and one year since the public letter signed by over 100 nurses, doctors and scientists which called for positive decisions on that vaccine; applauds all the efforts of the Meningitis Now campaign to ensure that vaccine's inclusion in the Routine Immunisation Schedule of the NHS; understands that time lost is lives lost and that this vaccine could prevent 82 per cent of cases of meningitis B and the lifelong damage and loss of life it tragically brings; expresses frustration at the continuing delays in securing its inclusion in the schedule; and appeals to the Government and Novartis to bring their negotiations on the vaccine to a positive resolution.

Signatures by party: Labour 17, DUP 5, Liberal Democrat 5, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Conservative 2, Independent 2, Plaid Cymru 2.