Karen Holmes, from Petts Wood, and her 15-year-old son Jack.
FIGURES which reveal the disease tuberculosis (TB) is still on the rise are "frustrating" according to a mother who is still trying to get her son privately vaccinated.
This week, the Health Protection Agency released provisional figures for cases of the deadly disease, which reveal a two per cent increase across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Data shows there were 8171 cases reported in 2006 across the regions, compared to 8008 in 2005.
The highest proportion of cases reported were in London, with 43 per cent of the total amount occurring in the capital.
Last year, in line with Department of Health policy, Bromley Primary Care Trust (PCT) withdrew the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG vaccine), despite evidence the number of TB cases are rising.
Now, only Year 9 children will receive the vaccine if the PCT considers them to be at high risk from the airborne disease, which mainly affects the lungs.
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Karen Holmes wants to get her 15-year-old son Jack vaccinated privately as a precaution.
Mrs Holmes, of Fairfield Road, Petts Wood, made inquiries with two GP surgeries, BUPA, BMI Healthcare and the PCT, but was unable to find anyone willing to provide the jab.
She said: "These figures really speak for themselves. I am still worried and I would still like my son to be vaccinated.
"I appreciate they are telling me he is not at risk, but at the end of the day, I think this is a money issue.
"Frankly I don't understand it. The figures are going up and I'm hearing more and more of how prevalent TB is, it is so frustrating.
"I don't believe my son is not at risk and I think in the future the Government will turn around and say 'We've made a mistake and we will start vaccinating again'.
"If my son gets TB and the Government is absolutely refusing to let me take this preventative measure, I would certainly considering suing."
Dr Helen Maguire, who is a consultant epidemiologist for the Health Protection Agency, said: "Worldwide, TB is the leading cause of death in terms of curable infectious diseases, but fortunately it remains very low in most parts of the UK.
"Although it is potentially life threatening, TB is preventable and can be treated with a simple course of antibiotics taken over a six-month period.
"Early diagnosis will help to reduce the high levels we are witnessing in London and completing a course of treatment is vital.
"Raising awareness of TB is the key to tackling this health problem."
Mrs Holmes has been advised of a private clinic in Eltham which offers the vaccination at a cost of £70.
FACTS ABOUT THE DISEASE
TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
It is usually spread by prolonged coughs and sneezes of an infectious person and is normally spread through close contact with others on a regular basis.
Symptoms include:
Fever and night sweats
Persistent cough
Weight loss
Blood in phlegm or spit
TUBERCULOSIS FIGURES
Health Protection Agency TB statistics 1999 - 2005
Bromley had 20 cases in 1999, 23 in 2000, 17 in 2001, 24 in 2002, 31 in 2003, 28 in 2004 and 30 in 2005.
Bexley had 15 cases in 1999, 14 in 2000, 17 in 2001, 21 in 2002, 25 in 2003, 29 in 2004 and 22 in 2005.
Greenwich had 47 cases in 1999, 49 in 2000, 68 in 2001, 73 in 2002, 72 in 2003, 88 in 2004 and 87 in 2005.
Lewisham had 57 cases in 1999, 62 in 2000, 69 in 2001, 91 in 2002, 79 in 2003, 77 in 2004 and 99 in 2005.
Posted by: Susan, Bromley on 11:49am Mon 26 Mar 07
It is not true that the Department of Heath have "withdrawn" the BCG. It has only been withdrawn from a particular group of people in the community. Beggars belief.
It is not true that the Department of Heath have "withdrawn" the BCG. It has only been withdrawn from a particular group of people in the community. Beggars belief.
Posted by: susan coxon, gravesend on 9:12pm Wed 18 Apr 07
I thoughly agree with Mrs Holmes, and have had exactly the same issues. our doctors hands are tied because of the government and I feel totally frustrated by the position I find my self in. I would be grateful yo know of the clinic in Eltham that is willing to give the injection.
I thoughly agree with Mrs Holmes, and have had exactly the same issues. our doctors hands are tied because of the government and I feel totally frustrated by the position I find my self in. I would be grateful yo know of the clinic in Eltham that is willing to give the injection.
Posted by: Philip Jobson, Bexley on 5:06pm Tue 25 Sep 07
Surely the figures stated above speak for themselves, there is an increase in the number of TB cases, although they are still small in comparison to the local community, the number of cases will continue to increase expotentially due to the number of people each infected person will contact. To limit the spread would it not be sensible for the Government to vacinate everyone. I seem to remember that is how smallpox was eradicated, not by vacinating selected portions of the community.
Surely the figures stated above speak for themselves, there is an increase in the number of TB cases, although they are still small in comparison to the local community, the number of cases will continue to increase expotentially due to the number of people each infected person will contact. To limit the spread would it not be sensible for the Government to vacinate everyone. I seem to remember that is how smallpox was eradicated, not by vacinating selected portions of the community.
I've just had my son vaccinated at direct health 2000, Eltham, as North Kent too have decided not to vaccinate his year group (unless they are regular travellers to 'high risk' countries. The fact that he socialises frequently with boys from high risk countries doesn't seem to matter. Or the fact that TB is on the increase and becoming antibiotic resistant. The situation beggars belief....obviously it's all about saving NHS money!
I've just had my son vaccinated at direct health 2000, Eltham, as North Kent too have decided not to vaccinate his year group (unless they are regular travellers to 'high risk' countries. The fact that he socialises frequently with boys from high risk countries doesn't seem to matter. Or the fact that TB is on the increase and becoming antibiotic resistant. The situation beggars belief....obviously it's all about saving NHS money!
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