Tragic Death of University Student Sparks Vaccine Awareness Campaign
A vibrant and sporty 18-year-old university student, Meg Draper, passed away just weeks after starting her studies, following a sudden bout of meningitis. Meg had recently joined the swimming and netball teams at Bournemouth University, where she was pursuing physiotherapy, but sadly succumbed to meningococcal type B meningitis in October.
Her parents, from Pontypool, Torfaen, are now advocating for the availability of the MenB vaccine—or a booster—for young adults through the NHS. Currently, the vaccine is only administered to young children, who are considered most at risk. This vaccine coverage protects them for a few years, with private immunization costing around £220 for older children.
While instances of MenB in individuals over four are deemed “rare,” a notable increase occurs among teenagers, prompting calls for routine vaccination in older children. However, the Welsh government follows recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which concluded in 2014 that a routine vaccine for young adults wasn’t “cost-effective.”
Meg had received immunizations against meningitis A, C, W, and Y, leading her parents to feel “horrified” upon discovering that a separate MenB vaccine existed. The leader of the charity Meningitis Now described it as a “tragedy” that young people lack routine protection against this strain.
Her mother, Helen Draper, shared that they would have immediately paid for the vaccine had they known. “We’ve talked to countless people who feel as we do—nobody knew this even existed,” she expressed. “It’s terrifying to think we missed this critical information.” Meningitis inflames the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord, often stemming from a bacterial infection, which spreads similarly to a cold.
Meg had excitedly secured her place at Bournemouth, achieving her “dream” after recovering from an injury while trying out for the Welsh netball under-17s team. Described by her mother as “sporty, outgoing, and genuinely charismatic,” Meg quickly made friends and was embracing the university experience. Unfortunately, shortly after feeling unusually tired, she experienced severe symptoms, including fever and vomiting, leading to her hospitalization where she passed away shortly thereafter.
Her parents had assumed that the vaccination their daughter received at 14 included all types of meningitis, which contributed to their shock after her death.
Despite only attending university for a brief time, Meg’s impact was immense, with her mother noting that even during her funeral, friends were brought in by coach to pay their respects. “It’s remarkable how much of a mark she left in just five weeks,” she reflected.
Understanding Meningitis
Meningitis can be instigated by various bacteria, viruses, and pathogens, with significant strains including types A, B, C, W, X, and Y. Though it can affect anyone, the highest occurrences are in infants, children, teenagers, and young adults. Severe complications, such as septicaemia, can arise, often leading to lasting damage. Recent statistics reveal that MenB accounted for over 80% of all reported cases in the UK.
Adolescents are more likely to carry the bacteria, which indicates additional risks during their teenage years. The NHS immunizes babies against MenB in three doses but does not offer routine vaccination for older individuals, which families consider a significant oversite.
Mrs. Draper emphasized the importance of awareness surrounding the MenB vaccine, insisting that her daughter’s death must lead to positive change. The urgency of this issue has been echoed by the National Union of Students UK, which calls for increased awareness regarding potential health risks and access to vaccines for students.
Bournemouth University has stated that Meg made a lasting impression on her peers and provides information about vaccination to incoming students. They also have weekly clinics on campus for vaccinations against certain strains.
While the atmosphere on campus remains low-risk, Meg’s close contacts have received antibiotics to curb any potential spread of infection. In this tragic wake, calls for awareness and preventive measures grow stronger, underscoring the crucial need for protective vaccinations.
