More than 370,000 people have already signed a petition, calling for the NHS vaccination program to be available to all children following the death of Faye Burdett, a two-year-old girl who died of meningitis.
The U.K. Government and Parliament website garnered the staggering signatures just a matter of days after Faye's parent shared her dying images. The family decided to share the heartbreaking pictures as they believe it can open the eyes of the government about the scarcity of affordable vaccine.
Faye's parents said their child died on Valentine's Days after battling with the disease for 11 days and until now they are enduring "a pain you cannot describe." However, they strongly believe that the outcome could have been different if their daughter has been given a new meningitis B vaccine.
Thus, Jenny Burdett, from Kent, is campaigning for a change by sharing Faye's story. She said her daughter was supposed to have an operation to amputate her leg and arm. However, she and her husband decided not make the little child endure more surgery. Hence, they decided to let Faye go peacefully.
Currently, a vaccine to protect children against meningitis B is available on the NHS for babies aged two months. Then, a second dose will be given at four months and the booster will be given to a child at 12 months. If parents want their older kids to be vaccinated they need to pay a hefty amount.
Thus, Jenny is asking the people to support her campaign and sign the petition -- asking the government to ensure that the meningitis vaccine is given to all children, who are at risk of this disease.
Sue Davie, the chief executive of Meningitis Now said they will support Faye's family throughout their campaign. "We continue to campaign to see the meningitis B vaccine rolled out, particularly to at-risk groups, to ensure a future where no one in the UK loses their life to meningitis," she added to the Guardian.
