Wearside MP gives her backing to health campaign
A Wearside MP has been helping to raise awareness of deadly meningitis.
Sharon Hodgson, who represents Washington and Sunderland West and is Shadow Minister for Public Health, has signed up to promote awareness with GPs and community organisations following a Parliamentary reception organised by charity Meningitis Now.
The charity launched its campaign – Adults Get It Too – to inform and educate adults of the risks.
A survey carried out found that 95% of people aged over 55 do not consider meningitis and septicaemia to be a threat, despite the fact that the risk of bacterial meningitis rises in older adults.
Vaccines that protect against some types of meningitis and septicaemia are given to babies, children and young people, but most over 55s will not have had these vaccines.
Mrs Hodgson said: “The popular misconception is that meningitis and septicaemia only affect babies and young children, but this is not the case.
“Our attention should still focus on the young, but it is vital that we ensure that those over 24, and especially those aged over 55, know that they could be at risk too.
Meningitis Now’s Adults Get It Too campaign is calling on adults to learn the symptoms of the disease by calling 01453 768000 or going online at www.meningitisnow.org/adults to request an awareness pack.