Estimates show that over 300 children have avoided serious illness like meningitis, septicaemia and severe pneumonia after being given the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine - just one year after its launch.

Of these 300 cases, it is estimated that 17 would have died, and about 30 would have been left with a permanent disability.

However, uptake of the new vaccine remains lower than vaccines for other illnesses.

Figures released recently by the Health Protection Agency show that 86 per cent of children have received their PCV vaccine so far – leaving one in six children without protection.

Sue Gordon, acting director of public health at Northumberland Care Trust, said: "We would urge parents to vaccinate their children against harmful diseases.

"It is one of the simplest and most important health measures we can take.

"The fact that 300 children have already been saved the trauma of suffering from a major illness like meningitis relays the importance of vaccinating children against serious illness.

"Pneumococcal meningitis is a devastating disease and vaccination is the only way to prevent it.

"It is important for parents to immunise their children as we know what impact meningitis can have on people's lives."

"If parents want any more information or want to discuss immunisations they should talk to their health visitor, practice nurse or GP."