A LIFE-SAVING vaccine has nearly halved cases of a deadly meningitis strain, prompting a charity to renew its call for the jab to be extended.

Public Health England figures show the number of Men B cases dropped by 42 per cent in the last 10 months since the programme started, with 37 cases recorded against an annual average of 74 in the previous four years.

Stroud-based charity Meningitis Now is calling for the Government to extend the vaccine to the remaining 2.1 million children under 5 who remain at risk and is warning parents not to be complacent about the disease.

Liz Brown, CEO at the charity said: "This is a hugely encouraging progress report and we’re delighted that cases amongst those eligible for the jab have halved since it was introduced a year ago.

“But we can’t afford to rest on our laurels yet.

"This vaccine will save numerous lives, but there are still many types of meningitis which it does not protect against.

"Children born before May last year remain unprotected and are at increased risk of catching this deadly and devastating disease up to the age of five.

“We would encourage parents not to become complacent on hearing this news, and remind them to remain vigilant to the signs and symptoms of meningitis.

"They should seek immediate medical help should they suspect the disease.”

Find out more about the help available at meningitisnow.org