HEALTH chiefs have moved to reassure parents concerned about the safety of the new meningitis C vaccination programme following reports that children had experienced adverse reactions.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Pat Troop, said: "We want to reassure parents that this is a very safe vaccine which has been extensively tested and that the 4,764 reports of reactions to the vaccine is normal for a programme like this. The vast majority of these reactions are not serious and may include short-term symptoms such as headaches and sore arms. These reactions, and dizziness are commonly experienced by children and adults who have any injection.

"Reports of more serious reactions, the most common symptoms including fainting or neck stiffness, are being looked at very carefully and we will continue to monitor the programme. However, our advice to parents and young people is that they should continue to take up the opportunity to be immunised against meningitis C."

Dr Basil Wiratunga, of St Helens and Knowsley Health Authority, endorsed Dr Troop's comments, adding: "We are not aware that anyone in St Helens or Knowsley has experienced an adverse reaction to the vaccine but we would like to reassure concerned parents that it is safe. Since its introduction in 1999, it has cut the number of deaths from meningitis C by over 70 per cent across the country."