A meningitis ambassador from Bushey has written to Hertsmere MP James Clappison to ask for help in introducing a long overdue vaccine.

A vaccine for a particular type of meningitis, MenB (meningococcal group B), which has been the single largest cause of the disease in the UK for decades, was recommended by the joint committee for vaccination and immunisation (JCVI) on March 21, 2014 to be given routinely to children.

But after more than a year as there are no signs that the vaccine will become part of the vaccinations available to children, the Meningitis Research Foundation have launched a campaign called #WheresOurVaccine.

Emily Furniss, of Rudolph Road is campaigning on behalf of the charity in Bushey and the surrounding areas in a bid to get the life-saving vaccine introduced.

The 37-year-old has got involved with the charity after her son, George, now five, fell ill with the condition when he was nearly two-years-old.

She said: "I am coming from a personal perspective and am passionate about getting the vaccine out there.

"George spent two weeks in hospital seriously ill, including a terrifying week in intensive care where he suffered three cardiac arrests and was given only a 20 per cent chance of survival.

"Luckily he survived, but we were shocked by the speed and severity of this appalling disease."

Young children and adolescents are at most risk of catching it and leads to death in 10 per cent of all cases and in 36 per cent of cases, it results in long-term after effects including disabilities.

Ms Furniss has written to Mr Clappsion asking him to ask health minister, Jeremy Hunt, why there has been a delay in introducing the vaccine.

The mother of two added: "So much research has gone into developing this vaccine so it's madness that it's not out there yet.

"I have a younger daughter and we paid to have her vaccinated, which was expensive and I know not everyone can afford that.

"Anyone who agrees with me that this life-saving vaccine is taking too long to implement can make their feelings known by signing the online #WheresOurVaccine petition at www.meningitis.org/wheres-our-vaccine."