Most parents mistakenly believe their children are fully protected against all strains of meningitis, a poll found today.
Just over half (51%) think their youngster has had jabs against all strains while a further 24% are unsure.
* Click here to watch latest YEP news and sport video reports.There i
s no vaccine against meningitis B - the most common and deadly
form of the disease - although jabs do protect against the other frequently seen strains Hib, meningitis C and pneumococcal meningitis.
* Click here for latest YEP news and sport picture slideshows.Cases of meningitis peak in February, prompting the charity Meningitis UK to commission today's poll.
It found that 62% of 1,000 people questioned were unaware there is no vaccine for meningitis B.
The charity's chief executive, Steve Dayman, said: "If a parent wrongly believes their child is protected, they could become complacent and not react quickly enough when the early signs of the disease are developing.
"A delay in seeking treatment could be fatal because meningitis can kill in under four hours.
"These results have made us even more determined to find a vaccine to eradicate all forms of meningitis and protect future generations."
Early signs of meningitis are similar to cold and flu.
Classic symptoms include headache, stiff neck and a dislike of bright light but others are difficulty supporting own weight, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea, confusion and drowsiness.
Under-fives and those aged 15 to 25 are most at risk, particularly if their immune system is weakened.
Mr Dayman said: "Our advice to parents is to firstly make sure their
children have had all the available vaccines.
"Secondly, they should be aware of the full range of symptoms to look out for, in addition to the rash, which doesn't always appear.
"If they think their child has meningitis then they should trust their instincts and go straight to the hospital."
Meningitis UK is running the Search 4 a Vaccine campaign to raise £7 million for research.
