Meningitis Trust welcomes vaccination campaign

9 July 2004

Meningitis Trust welcomes vaccination campaign

The Meningitis Trust fully supports the Ministry of Health's new vaccination programme and is solidly behind efforts to tackle the cause of the disease.

Chair of the Meningitis Trust, Richard Handley said today that all New Zealanders are reminded far too often about the misery and suffering caused by meningococcal disease.

"In recent days the front pages of our newspapers have given more reasons to support the decision to introduce this vaccine. These tragedies strengthen the case."

"I applaud the efforts of the dedicated team at the Ministry of Health who have been instrumental in developing the vaccine and planning the vaccination programme. They are a totally committed group and we have much to thank them for."

The current epidemic is in its 13th year and has affected over 5000 Kiwis and killed 220.

Despite criticisms of the vaccination programme by some groups, the Meningitis Trust is positive about the expected result of the campaign.

"The Trust does not accept that such criticisms have any validity in the current NZ context. The recent tragic cases give all the reason we need to proceed."

ENDS

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