Few takers for life saving health jabs

Health workers had hoped their decision to switch immunisations to the Milk Bar club, on Cheapside, would encourage more 15 to 17-year-olds to come forward.

But the session failed to deliver, with only about 150 youngsters taking advantage of the free jabs which protect against the C strain of the killer virus.

Barry Clarke, children's health administrator for Bradford Community Health Council, said he was amazed by the extremely low turn out.

"Meningitis is a killer and it can take hold in as little as eight hours. But it seems the majority of youngsters in Bradford just aren't interested in getting immunised."

Bradford Community Health Council stepped up its campaign to raise awareness of the disease last month after 9,000 of the 10,000 teenagers snubbed vaccination sessions held at schools.

A similar immunisation session at a Leeds night club was attended by more than 1,700 people compared with about 100 who visited health centres.

The Milk Bar session was backed up by leaflets sent to around 9,000 teenagers in the district, high profile publicity in the Telegraph & Argus and an awareness and immunisation afternoon at Boots Chemist, Kirkgate.

Other city centre retailers also played their part by announcing details of the night club clinic over their public address systems every half hour on Saturday.

Mr Clarke said: "Although more people attended the Milk Bar than any of our health centre sessions the turnout was very disappointing.

"Some of the youngsters didn't like the idea of having an injection, others thought they were not at risk.

"We will just have to keep pushing the message."

Health workers will meet on Thursday to discuss plans for future immunisation sessions. One possibility could be to involve high-profile sports stars, such as footballers from Bradford City.

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