Our daughter's death from meningitis could have been prevented with a jab she missed at the start of university

An 18-year-old student, known for her athleticism and vibrant personality, tragically died just weeks into her university life after contracting meningococcal type B meningitis (MenB). Meg Draper had recently enrolled in a physiotherapy program at Bournemouth University and had joined both the swimming and netball teams.

Megs parents, from Pontypool, Torfaen, along with the National Union of Students UK, are urging the NHS to provide a MenB vaccine or booster for young adults. Currently, the vaccine is offered only to infants, as they are considered the most vulnerable. Protection from this vaccine lasts a few years, and older children can receive it privately for around 220.

Although MenB is rare in children over four, teenagers experience a smaller second peak in cases, which has fueled calls for routine vaccination for older age groups. The Welsh government follows guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which in 2014 deemed a routine MenB jab for young adults not cost-effective.

Meg had previously received vaccinations for meningitis types A, C, W, and Y. Her parents expressed shock upon discovering a separate MenB vaccine existed, describing the situation as horrific. Dr. Tom Nutt, CEO of Meningitis Now, called it a tragedy that young people are not routinely protected against MenB. Helen Draper said they would have paid for the private vaccine in a heartbeat and highlighted that awareness of the MenB vaccine is extremely low.

A Vibrant Life Cut Short

Megs mother described her as charismatic, outgoing, and full of energy, saying she just loved being around people and people genuinely loved to be around her. Inspired by a previous injury, Meg secured her dream place at Bournemouth University. She quickly bonded with flatmates and embraced campus life, joining sports teams and social activities.

Her symptoms began with fatigue, followed within 24 hours by fever, headache, vomiting, and a rash, prompting hospitalization. Despite being vaccinated for A, C, W, and Y meningitis strains at 14, the family did not realize this did not cover MenB.

Meg formed numerous friendships in just five weeks, a testament to her impact and personality, her mother said. Meningitis, which inflames the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord, is caused by various pathogens and can lead to severe complications or death. Teenagers and young adults are at higher risk due to close contact in social and educational settings.

MenB Vaccination and Statistics

The MenB vaccine, offered in three doses during infancy, provides protection against the most common strain of meningitis in the UK. In the last year, MenB accounted for 82.6% of all cases, followed by MenW, MenY, and MenC. Symptoms include severe headache, high fever, and rash, with early treatment improving recovery chances. About 25% of survivors face long-term complications such as deafness, amputations, or neurological issues.

Mrs. Draper emphasized using Megs death to raise awareness, stating, We cant bring Meg back but what we can make sure is that her death isnt in vain. The family is advocating for increased awareness and NHS access to the MenB vaccine for young adults.

Calls for Action

The Welsh government aligns its vaccination programs with JCVI guidance. Dr. Nutt stressed that MenB can be fatal within 24 hours and highlighted the importance of vaccination as a preventative measure to save lives and protect families.

The National Union of Students UK noted that awareness among new university students is insufficient and urged that the MenB vaccine be offered free on the NHS. Universities and colleges are encouraged to provide vaccination opportunities to prevent unnecessary fatalities.

Bournemouth University described Meg as having made a big impression and expressed deep sorrow over her loss. The university advises students on meningitis vaccination options, symptoms, and prompt medical care, while running weekly clinics for strains A, C, W, and Y. Close contacts of Meg have received antibiotics to reduce transmission risk.

Author’s Commentary: Lessons from a Preventable Tragedy

The death of 18-year-old Meg Draper underscores a critical gap in meningitis prevention for young adults. Despite receiving vaccines for meningitis strains A, C, W, and Y, Meg was unprotected against MenB, which remains the leading cause of meningococcal disease in the UK. Her passing highlights both the rapid progression of MenB and the low public awareness of available vaccines for this age group.

Current NHS policy limits MenB vaccination to infants, with booster protection waning by adolescence. Teenagers and young adults, particularly those in communal living or educational settings, face a secondary peak in MenB cases, a fact that has fueled renewed calls for broader vaccine coverage. Meg’s family and the National Union of Students UK advocate for NHS provision of MenB vaccines for young adults, arguing that the cost of vaccination is far outweighed by the potential to prevent fatalities.

This case also raises questions about communication and accessibility. Awareness of MenB vaccination remains extremely low, even among parents of previously vaccinated children. Educational institutions and health authorities have an opportunity to close this knowledge gap through campaigns, guidance, and vaccination programs targeted at university students.

Meg Draper’s short but impactful life reminds us that prevention, awareness, and timely action can save lives. Her family’s advocacy may serve as a catalyst for policy discussions aimed at extending MenB protection to the age group most vulnerable to outbreaks in social and educational environments.

Sources:

• Our daughter died from meningitis after starting uni - a jab would have saved her