Tragedy Strikes University: Student’s Meningitis Death Sparks Urgent Calls for Wider Vaccination

A promising young student, Meg Draper, tragically died from meningococcal type B meningitis (MenB) just weeks after beginning her physiotherapy studies at Bournemouth University. The 18-year-old, a vibrant personality who quickly immersed herself in university life by joining swimming and netball teams, passed away in October.

Her parents, from Pontypool, Torfaen, alongside the National Union of Students UK, are now advocating for the MenB vaccine, or a booster, to be routinely accessible to young adults through the NHS. Millenium TV understands that the MenB vaccine, which is the sole protection against the bacterial strain responsible for the vast majority (82.6%) of meningitis cases in the UK, is currently only provided on the NHS for infants, who are deemed to be at the highest risk. This protection typically lasts for a few years, while a vaccine or booster for older children privately costs approximately £220.

While MenB is considered “rare” in individuals over the age of four, medical experts note a secondary, less common surge in cases among teenagers. This pattern has intensified appeals for routine vaccination of older children. The Welsh government bases its vaccination guidelines on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which determined in 2014 that a routine jab for young adults would not be “cost-effective.”

Meg had been vaccinated against meningitis strains A, C, W, and Y. Her parents described their horror upon discovering that a separate MenB vaccination existed. Helen Draper, Meg’s mother, expressed profound shock, telling Millenium TV, “We’ve spoken to hundreds of people who have reached out and we’re yet to find a single person that was aware.” She added that they would have paid the private fee for the vaccine “in a heartbeat.”

Meningitis involves the swelling of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord, typically triggered by a bacterial infection. University students face a heightened risk due to close communal living, facilitating the spread of bacteria through common respiratory actions like sneezing and coughing. Meg, described by her mother as “sporty, gregarious, outgoing, really charismatic, and chatty,” had achieved her “dream” of studying physiotherapy after being inspired by an injury she sustained during netball trials.

She quickly formed strong friendships at university and was enjoying the social scene. However, one evening, she reported feeling lethargic to her parents. Within 24 hours, her condition rapidly deteriorated, presenting with symptoms including a fever, headache, vomiting, and a rash on her stomach, leading to her hospitalization. She died just days later.

Her mother explained that Meg received her vaccination against the A, C, W, and Y strains of meningitis at age 14 during the coronavirus lockdown. Mrs. Draper and her husband Lee believed this protected their daughter from all types of meningitis. “The way it was portrayed to us was, that it was the meningitis vaccination, we weren’t aware there was another one,” the 45-year-old mother stated. The impact Meg had on her peers in such a short time was evident, with university friends traveling by coach to attend her funeral.

Dr. Tom Nutt, Chief Executive of the charity Meningitis Now, emphasized the severity of MenB, noting its potential to be fatal for one in ten individuals and its ability to kill within 24 hours. He lamented the fact that a protective MenB vaccine is available but not routinely offered to this vulnerable age group, describing it as “a bit of a tragedy.” Dr. Nutt underscored that “prevention is better than cure,” advocating for investment in public health to save lives and prevent the anguish of bereavement and disability.

A spokesperson for the National Union of Students UK highlighted a critical lack of awareness among young people starting university. They asserted that the NHS should provide the vaccine, stating, “The Meningitis B vaccine should be offered on the NHS – there should never be a cost barrier to life-saving vaccines.” They further suggested that universities and colleges consider offering the vaccine to their students to prevent any more preventable deaths.

Bournemouth University acknowledged Meg’s significant impact, with a spokesperson stating her “loss has been felt deeply.” The university advises all students on vaccination options for meningitis strains before they enroll and sends reminders throughout the year, emphasizing immediate medical attention for any symptoms. The university currently runs weekly walk-in clinics for MenA, C, W, and Y strains. Health authorities have confirmed that campus activities can continue, with a low risk of transmission, and Meg’s close contacts have been provided with antibiotics as a preventative measure.

“We can’t bring Meg back but what we can make sure is that her death isn’t in vain,” Mrs. Draper said. “For us, her legacy in doing so is everything.” The family seeks greater parental awareness and the provision of the MenB vaccine to young adults on the NHS.