Meningitis B Vaccine Calls Intensify Following Death of 18-Year-Old university Student
Bournemouth, UK – Calls for expanded Meningitis B vaccination access are growing after the death of 18-year-old meg, a student at Bournemouth University. The case has reignited debate over vaccine eligibility and awareness, particularly among young adults entering university.
Meningitis B can be fatal in as many as one in ten cases, and can kill within 24 hours of symptom onset, according to Dr. Tom Nutt, chief executive of Meningitis Now. “The fact there is a vaccination available against MenB that could protect this group of young adults,we think that’s a bit of a tragedy,” he said.
Currently, the JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation) advises all governments of the UK on vaccination and immunisation matters, including eligibility, safety, and vaccine schedules. However, the vaccine is not routinely offered to all university students.
The National Union of Students UK stated there is “simply not enough awareness” among students starting university about the risks of Meningitis B,and urged the NHS to offer the vaccine universally. “While we all expect the certain freshers flu, there are deadly viral strains also circulating which students need to be protected against, and aware of,” a spokesperson said. “The Meningitis B vaccine should be offered on the NHS – there should never be a cost barrier to life-saving vaccines.” They also called on universities and colleges to consider offering the vaccine to students until it is available through the NHS.
bournemouth University confirmed Meg “made a big impression” and “her loss has been felt deeply.” The university advises students on how to get vaccinated against strains of meningitis before they join and sends reminders throughout the year,emphasizing the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms develop,even after vaccination.Weekly walk-in clinics offering vaccinations against meningitis A, C, W and Y strains are currently running on campus.
The UK Health Security Agency and local health teams have stated that activities on campus can continue, as the risk of transmission is low.Close contacts of Meg have been offered antibiotics as a preventative measure.
Dr. Nutt emphasized the importance of preventative measures, stating, “Prevention is better than cure, it’s far better to protect to help healthy lives, to help keep families together and avoid the pain of bereavement and disability which is caused by meningitis. It’s a good investment in terms of keeping people healthy and saving lives.”
