Meningitis alert: Oldham parents urged to check child vaccines

Oldham parents are being urged to check their children's vaccination records after NHS Greater Manchester issued a meningitis alert. The warning comes as cases of the potentially deadly illness continue to make headlines, with health officials particularly concerned about the MenB strain that has recently affected Kent.

Dr Helen Wall, clinical director for population health at NHS Greater Manchester, said parents should not assume their children have received all necessary vaccines. 'We are asking parents and carers to take a moment to check their child's vaccination status,' she explained. 'If your child missed their MenACWY vaccination at school, it's not too late to catch up.

The MenB vaccine was introduced in 2015 for babies under two years old, while the MenACWY vaccine is given to Year 9 students aged 13 to 14. However, many teenagers have not received the MenB vaccine, leaving them vulnerable to the strain currently causing concern. Parents can check their child's red book or contact their GP practice to verify vaccination status.

Early symptoms of meningitis can be mistaken for flu, but health officials warn that a key warning sign is a rash that does not fade when pressed. 'If you are worried your child may have meningitis, get medical help straight away,' Dr Wall advised. 'Use NHS 111 or call 999 in an emergency.

Parents whose children missed the MenACWY vaccination at school can arrange catch-up jabs through their GP practice or contact IntraHealth directly. The health service is working with local and national partners to monitor the situation and respond as necessary, emphasizing that vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps safeguard the wider community.