Barbara is supporting Meningitis Now in its fight against meningitis. It is 30 years since the organisation started to fight this disease and to support people like Rosie Heaton from Boothstown, who is now a Young Ambassador for the Charity. Barbara met Rosie and other Young Ambassadors at an event in Parliament

In the past, Barbara and other MPs supported the “Beat it Now” campaign to secure the introduction of vaccines against Meningoccocal Group B. This vaccine is now available and protecting children in Salford born after 1st May 2015. From August 2015, all 17 to 18 year olds were invited by GPs to receive the Men ACWY vaccine. The vaccine was also made available to all those young people just starting University.

During the event Barbara heard from Jacob who had contracted meningitis while he was at university, and who talked about the devastating impact the disease had on him and the importance of the vaccines which are now available.

Barbara has pledged to help Meningitis Now spread awareness of the vaccines available so that vaccine uptake rates can be increased. Meningitis Now is also working to help the families and carers of those affected by meningitis to rebuild their lives.

Barbara said:

“It was good to meet Rosie and the other young ambassadors for Meningitis Now. The disease has impacts which can be devastating and it is important that we support people like Rosie and Jacob who are rebuilding their lives after meningitis.

I have pledged my support to the fight against meningitis and I want to help raise awareness of the disease, the vaccines which can protect against it and the support available to families and carers from Meningitis Now.”