A new programme to vaccinate all newborn babies against meningitis B has started in the UK – the first scheme of its kind in the world.

The Men B vaccine will be given to babies at two, four and 12 months old as part of routine immunisations.

Infants aged under one are at the most risk of meningitis B infection, which is fatal in one in 10 cases.

Campaigners said the move could prevent up to 4,000 cases by 2025, but warned parents should be aware of symptoms.

A catch-up programme will also target babies born since May who have missed the first jabs.

The scheme, which has been delayed by cost disputes, is the first national and publicly-funded programme against the deadly infection in the world.

Babies already receive a meningitis C vaccination when three months old, with a booster at 12 months.

Students are also offered a combined vaccine giving protection against four strains of the disease, meningococcal A, C, W and Y.

This to me does not bode well, 22 vaccines before a child reaches a year old !!! Lou

Read more http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-34084999

For the full vaccine schedule see here http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/childhood-vaccination-schedule.aspx