NEARLY 600 children in the York area may need a "booster" Meningitis C vaccine because the shot they received recently was stored at too low a temperature.

The York Health Trust is today contacting the parents of the 590 pupils at Acomb and St Paul's Primary Schools in York, Tockwith Primary School, Forest of Galtres Primary School at Shipton, and Wigginton Primary School.

Health experts say tests on the vaccine show a slight reduction in its quality, and though this is unlikely to have affected its ability to protect the children the trust is recommending the booster as a precaution.

The vaccinations were all given between September 28 and October 2.

Along with a letter from the trust parents will receive information and details about how their child can receive the second vaccination.

The letter also includes the telephone help line number of NHS Direct (0845-4647CORR), which parents can contact for further advice and information.

Dr Robin Ball, district immunisation co-ordinator for the trust, said: "We sincerely apologise to parents and their children for what had happened.

"We believe that the vaccine that has been given will have protected the children, but having a second booster as a precautionary measure will ensure maximum protection."

The way the vaccine is stored at the trust has now been changed to ensure it does not happen again.