PARENTS have given a cautious welcome to Government plans to give babies a third injection to protect them against deadly meningitis.

Youngsters already get a series of jabs against up to nine diseases including diphtheria, tetanus and polio in their first two years.

Now health chiefs are considering whether a further jab which fights bacterial meningitis, septicemia and pneumonia could save lives.

But there are fears that some parents may shun the treatment after the nationwide controversy over measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines.

Pam Davies, of Windsor Drive, Wigginton, York, said she would want to see detailed scientific evidence that the jab would benefit patients and have no other effects. She has spent the past four years researching the effects of MMR after her daughter, Sian, became ill and eventually underwent major surgery following a jab at the age of 11.

"I'm so wary now of any of the vaccinations that come out. I would want to see research and I would want to know all about it," she said.

"MMR has had a dramatic effect on my life. The Government has never said that it has caused any trouble. To my mind it did, but I'm never going to prove that."

Sharon Fentiman, of Bramham Avenue, Chapelfields, York, said she would be cautious about any new treatment and would like reassurance from doctors about its benefits and use.

Her son, Michael, was given the wrong MMR dose when he was only 14 months old, but has not suffered any long-term ill effects.

She said: "MMR has definitely made me more aware and I would tell other parents to make sure that any injection is done properly."

A spokeswoman for the Department of Health (DoH) said: "We have to ensure that our programme is based on sound scientific advice and that's why further evidence and data is being collected."

The Meningitis Trust has welcomed the plans which were recommended by the Department of Health's joint committee on vaccination and immunisation.

Chief Executive John Kirby said: "Meningitis is a life-threatening disease. This vaccine has been available and recommended for children at risk for several years.

"This is the only way that we will see a reduction in the burden of the disease and save lives."

The jab is already given to elderly people, but the DoH has asked doctors to investigate what doses should be given to children. Parents are also to be consulted about what information they need.

Programme of vaccinations

VACCINES contain a small part of the bacterium or virus that causes a disease, or tiny amounts of the chemicals which the bacterium produces.

They work by causing the body's immune system to make antibodies.

If your child comes into contact with the infection, the antibodies will recognise it and be ready to protect the child.

Vaccinations are made as follows:

Two, three and four months old: One injection for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and Hib. One for Meningitis C

About 13 months: One injection for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)

Three years four months to five years: One injection for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio; one injection for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)

Ten to 14 years (sometimes shortly after birth): BCG (against tuberculosis). A skin test will be carried out then, if needed, one injection

Thirteen to 18 years: One injection for tetanus, diphtheria and polio.

Updated: 14:27 Friday, January 07, 2005