Following the recent news reports of children becoming extremely unwell after contracting meningitis, there has been an increase in demand for meningitis vaccines for children. Babies are vaccinated, but young children are not, and this has resulted in some horrific cases.
Much of the interest is being driven by Jenny Turnball’s campaign on Facebook, which shows a young girl called Faye in intensive care, suffering from meningitis. Jenny Turnball is campaigning for free meningitis vaccinations for all children.
Whatever the government decides, it will take time to roll out vaccinations to all, so in the meantime, here are some private surgeries in Essex that are offering vaccinations. Please note that this information was gathered by Google search on 18th February, 2016, and all details and prices may have changed by the time you read this.
Appletree Pharmacy – Chelmsford
Children need two or three doses depending on age, and each dose is £110. Call to make an appointment before visiting.
- AppleTree Pharmacy and Clinic Opposite ASDA Chelmer Village Village Square CM2 6RF.
- Tel: 01245 467612
Essex Private Doctors – Shenfield
On 18/02/16 their website states that they are not currently providing new courses of meningitis vaccination – presumably due to high demand at the moment.
- Essex Private Doctors, First Floor, 40 Hutton Road, Shenfield, Essex, CM15 8LB
- Tel: 01277 201 001
- http://essexprivatedoctors.com/vaccinations-private-gp-essex-shenfield-brentwood/
Armada Travel Clinic – Chafford Hundred
A travel clinic might be a better choice right now as fewer people will think to go there – current price is £140 for one dose of the Meningitis B (Bexsero) vaccine.
- Armada Travel Clinic (Armada Pharmacy), Drake House, Drake Road, Chafford Hundred, Essex, RM16 6RX
- Tel: 01375 480579
The Holly Private Hospital – Buckhurst Hill
They have announced on the website: “We are currently experiencing a very high number of calls for the meningitis vaccine.
Unfortunately due to limited stock of the medication we cannot accept any more requests for this treatment at this time.”
- The Holly Private Hospital, High Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, IG9 5HX
- Tel: 020 8505 3311
- http://www.theholly.com/gp-service/vaccinations/
Springfield Hospital – Chelmsford
Vaccinations are offered by the private GPs, and although meningitis is not mentioned on the website, it is worth calling if other surgeries have run out of stock.
- Springfield Hospital, Lawn Lane, Springfield, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 7GU
- 0800 3287555 / 01245 234110
A government petition to Give the Meningitis B vaccine to ALL children, not just newborn babies has already gathered over half a million signatures.
