A NORTH Hull mum who has raised £12,000 to fight meningitis after it claimed the life of her son has hit out at a decision not to roll out an immunisation programme.
Each year since Liam Newman died in October 2007 at the age of six, Claire Newman has thrown a street party to keep her son's memory alive and raise vital funds to find a lifesaving vaccine.
Last year, scientists unveiled the 4CMenB vaccine, which subsequently received its EU licence under the brand name Bexsero in January.
It is the first Meningitis B vaccine to be licensed for use in the UK and studies show it should protect against 73 per cent of Meningitis B strains in the UK.
But the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) – the independent body, which advises the Government on vaccination – says there is insufficient evidence to support a recommendation for the introduction of an immunisation programme.
Claire, 37, said: "It is extremely disappointing. To me, it all seems to be about money.
"Money should not come into it – we're talking about saving our children's lives.
"But my family, along with lots of people across the country have fundraised for this moment."
Claire has given the proceeds of each street party held in 27th Avenue, where her family live, to Meningitis Trust/Meningitis UK.
Hundreds have attended the event and given generously over the years.
Sue Davie, the charity's chief executive, said it would be seeking to reverse the decision.
She said: "This is extre- mely disappointing news after all our supporters and our hard work over decades to introduce a vaccine."
Meningitis Trust/Meningitis UK has described the vaccine as the "biggest leap forward in the field" in 30 years.
Bexsero is available to buy privately.
JCVI has now invited the charity, as the voice for those affected by meningitis, to respond to its interim statement by Tuesday, September 3.
It will consider this response and the advice of its meningococcal sub-committee at a meeting on October 2, before finalising its advice and publishing its position statement.
"We're pleased to have the opportunity to respond and press our case," said Ms Davie.
"We understand the committee's concerns about impact and cost, but we believe this vaccine is safe and we know it will save lives.
"The more we delay, the more lives are being lost."
The charity has vowed to continue its fight to get the vaccine introduced and has called on its supporters to sign its Beat it Now! petition and write to their MP to get support.
Ms Davie said: "Help us raise the funds we need for this fight and to continue to provide support to all those who will continue to be affected by meningitis before the vaccine is introduced.
"In the meantime, I would urge everyone to remain vigilant to the signs and symptoms."
Claire, who has another son, Luke, 18, and a daughter, Kirsty, 17, said: "It only seems like yesterday when we lost Liam, who would be coming up to 13 now.
"Liam's death left us heartbroken and nothing is the same."
