A MOTHER from the district whose young child died from meningitis is urging all parents to take up the offer of a new vaccine.

Andrea Walker has welcomed news that the new meningitis B jab is being offered to babies across the UK from this week.

She said the vaccine would save hundreds of parents every year from the heartbreak she suffered when her daughter Ellie died in 2013.

Ellie, three, from Bar Lane in Riddlesden, Keighley, died of streptococcal septicaemia blood poisoning brought on by meningitis.

Cllr Walker, who is a Keighley town councillor, said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to hear that this vaccine is being made available to children.

“I would encourage any parent to look at Ellie’s story and get the vaccinations. I would love to save a life.”

Cllr Walker stressed that although the meningitis B vaccine was likely to save hundreds of children each year, this did not mean that meningitis had been wiped out.

She said other strains including meningitis A - which led to Ellie’s death – still posed a huge risk, and parents should familiarise themselves with the major symptoms of the disease.

She said: “We didn’t get any of the symptoms with Ellie, like aching limbs and fever. She was too young to tell us about it, and she was eating normally.

“We thought she was getting cold. It was only when I found her on Monday after she died, and saw the rash.”

“If parents see any symptoms, they should get help. If they’re in any doubt, get it checked out.”

The meningitis B jab is being offered on the NHS for infants aged two months, followed by a second dose at four months and a booster at 12 months.

There will also be a temporary catch-up programme for babies who are due their three and four-month vaccinations throughout September.

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

The jab protects against infection by meningococcal group B bacteria, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning).

While meningitis B can affect people of any age, it is most common in babies and children under five.

Tests suggest that the new vaccine, called Bexsero, will protect against around 90 per cent of the meningococcal group-B bacteria strains circulating in the UK.

Around 1,200 people - mainly babies and children - get meningitis B each year, with around one in 10 dying from the infection and others left with permanent disabilities.