In response to recent media reports raising concern over the safety of the meningitis C immunisation programme, the Department of Health has emphasised that the vaccine is "a very safe vaccine which has been extensively tested."
Since the start of the UK programme last November, there have been 4,764 reported adverse reactions to the vaccine out of over 13m doses given to children and young people.
In a statement on June 12, Dr Pat Troop (deputy chief medical officer) said that the number of reported reactions was "normal for a programme like this." She said: "The vast majority of these reactions are not serious and may include short term symptoms such as headaches and sore arms. These reactions, especially dizziness, are commonly experienced by children and adults who have any injection." Other reports of more serious reactions, including fainting and neck stiffness, were being looked at.
Dr Troop said that the programme had cut the number of deaths and cases from meningitis C in those immunised by over 70 per cent. "In that context, the number of reported reactions is very low and the benefits of being protected from meningitis C are overwhelming." The Department of Health's advice was to continue taking up the opportunity to be immunised against meningitis C.