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health11h ago
Meningitis B vaccinations calls after Pontypool student, 18, dies
- Meg Draper, 18, died from meningitis weeks after starting university in Bournemouth, prompting vaccine access calls.
- Her family and the National Union of Students UK urge a MenB vaccine on the NHS for young adults.
- The MenB vaccine is not routinely offered to teenagers and is not deemed cost-effective for routine use beyond early childhood.
- Meg’s parents believed the 14-year MenB vaccination during lockdown did not protect against all MenB strains.
- Advocates warn meningitis prevention is crucial due to rapid onset and potential for severe outcomes.
- The Welsh government follows JCVI guidance on vaccination policy and NHS Wales notes university vaccination clinics on campus.
- Meg Draper’s family says the vaccine gap is a tragedy that should not happen to other students.
- Meningitis Now and health groups stress MenB protection as a lifesaving measure for teens and young adults.
- University Bournemouth issued statements acknowledging Meg's impact and advising vaccination reminders for students.
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