CHILDREN could die if they do not receive their meningitis vaccinations, a nurse has warned after her daughter’s already delayed vaccination was postponed again.

Vaccinations at Burford School were postponed due to a positive case of coronavirus at the school.

Samantha McIntyre, a nurse who works in primary care, said she received an email from the school nursing team at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust to say the Meningitis ACWY, as well as Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio vaccines (three-in-one teenage booster) would be rescheduled for January.

Ms McIntyre said although her daughter was not at high risk of complications from Covid-19, she could potentially die from a disease that already has a vaccine.

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She added: “If one child contracts meningitis before the rescheduled session in January, it will be a possible death totally avoidable.

“They plan to reschedule the vaccines for January but what if someone in the year group has a positive case of coronavirus then?

“My daughter is not at high risk of complications from Covid-19, but could potentially die from a disease that has a vaccine.”

Ms McIntyre said the one positive case of coronavirus in her daughter’s year group of nearly 250 students led to the postponement.

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However, Ms McIntyre was full of praise for the school and how it handled the positive case and the wider return of pupils.

She said: “The school has been amazing at isolating that student and all close contacts to minimise further spread.

“The school is amazing and has excellent Covid-19 measures in place.”

Vaccinations were due to take place during the spring term this year, but were postponed when schools closed due to the pandemic.

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A spokesperson for Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust said: “The delivery of the meningitis ACWY vaccine and three-in-one teenage booster for secondary schools was postponed from the spring term 2020 when schools were closed in response to the Covid -19 pandemic.

“The Meningitis ACWY vaccine and the three-in-one teenage booster are routinely offered to children aged 14 so that young people are vaccinated before leaving school.

“Following discussion with NHS England we have confirmed that in the context of low circulation of ACWY, Pertussis and Diphtheria, short-term postponement is safe.

“The catch up programme is progressing well and all secondary school children who were eligible will be vaccinated by January 2021.

“We are sorry for any disruption caused by rescheduling, that decision was made to ensure the safety of pupils, school staff and the nursing staff involved.”

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Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.

The NHS states that it can cause life-threatening blood poisoning and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.