Parents fear MenB outbreaks without wider vaccine rollout for teenagers
Helen and Lee Draper's 18-year-old daughter, Meg, succumbed to MenB in October 2025 whilst studying at the University of Bournemouth. Meg had received vaccinations against other meningitis strains but not MenB, which is currently only offered to children born after May 2015 via the NHS schedule.
Call for Policy Review
Meg's death preceded a significant MenB outbreak in Kent, resulting in two fatalities. This prompted the UK government to request the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to re-examine MenB vaccine eligibility for teenagers and young adults. The Drapers express fears that similar outbreaks could recur without an expanded vaccination programme for 15-24 year olds.
Currently, the MenACWY vaccine is freely available to teenagers in England and Wales. However, for those not covered by the infant MenB programme, a private MenB vaccine or booster costs approximately £220. While MenB is rare in individuals over four, a secondary peak in cases is observed amongst teenagers.
Concerns Over Diagnosis and Awareness
The Drapers recounted multiple instances of medical professionals misjudging Meg's deteriorating condition, underscoring the critical need for heightened awareness of MenB symptoms. They expressed profound regret over not seeking a second opinion during her initial hospital visits.
Following Meg's death, the University of Bournemouth's campus GP offered meningitis vaccination clinics. However, these administered MenACWY vaccines, not MenB. Helen Draper criticised this, stating, "Nothing was told to parents or students that Meg died from MenB and this vaccination wouldn't protect them [from MenB]. It's quite dangerous in a way, that misinformation and misguidance."
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated that neither the infant MenB vaccine nor the teenage MenACWY vaccine offers complete protection against all meningococcal strains or all causes of meningitis. They emphasise the importance of recognising symptoms early, as prompt treatment can be life-saving.
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has asked the JCVI to revisit its 2014 conclusion that vaccinating teenagers and young adults against MenB was "not cost effective," and has pledged to follow their fresh advice. Both the Welsh government and various political parties have called for a review of MenB vaccine access in light of recent events.
