Parents in call for TB vaccine

PARENTS are calling for vaccinations and wider screening after a school staff member was diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Clough Hall Technology School, in Kidsgrove, is in the process of testing 20 pupils and two employees for the disease, and has issued assurances that the risk of infection is low.

The member of staff concerned, who is off work and receiving treatment, is described as a "very specialised" worker who had little contact with pupils.

Staffordshire County Council says national guidelines have been followed, and the authority is working with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and North Staffordshire Primary Care Trust.

But some parents believe the practice of vaccinating all children at school should never have been discontinued

Currently, only certain groups are offered vaccination against TB, including people coming to the UK from countries where the disease is widespread.

Parent Joanne Hymers left a message on The Sentinel's website expressing concern for her two daughters.

She said: "I have contacted my GP and the private sector and the only way any child can be vaccinated at present is if they are from an ethnic minority.

"I do understand how these children are at risk, however I feel that my children have been put at risk, yet are not being offered a vaccination."

Other parents shared Mrs Hymers's views.

Angela Hughes, aged 42, of Talke, said: "It is a concern that a member of staff has TB. It was a concern of mine that they stopped vaccinating children against it."

Stephen King, aged 44, of Liverpool Road, Kidsgrove, also had concerns for his 12-year-old son Liam.

He said: "Parents should be allowed to opt out if they want, but there should be the opportunity to get the vaccination."

TB is a potentially fatal infectious lung disease caused by bacteria. In most cases it can be cured with TB drugs within six months, and patients usually stop being infectious after two weeks.

Headteacher Ian Tate said: "The member of staff concerned is very specialised and had little or no contact with children, other than a minority in year 11 within the defined timescale.

"I have had a couple of requests for screening from parents and they are being discussed on an individual basis with health professionals."

In an unconnected incident, Vodafone workers were this week being offered screening after an employee in the company's Chesterton base was diagnosed with TB.