Campaign Demands Government Fund Meningitis B Vaccines for 16-23 Year Olds
A campaign calling for a government-funded meningitis B vaccination programme for all 16 to 23-year-olds has gained significant momentum following a deadly outbreak of the illness in Kent. The petition, launched by Marrissa Mullans, has surged by approximately 13,000 signatures in recent days, amassing over 57,000 verified signatures by Friday.
Mother's Heartfelt Plea for Vaccination Programme
Marrissa Mullans, a 46-year-old from Manchester whose 18-year-old son Alfie Jake Mullans died from meningitis B in 2023, is leading the charge. She argues that young people "have the right to life" and no parent should endure the loss of a child. Her petition, initially launched in October 2024, had previously reached 40,000 signatures before slowing, but has now seen renewed support.
Mrs Mullans is advocating for a catch-up vaccination programme targeting 16 to 23-year-olds who were too old to qualify for the jab when it was introduced on the NHS in 2015. She also urges a national awareness campaign to educate parents and young people about the lack of protection many teenagers and young adults face against meningitis B.
"The vaccine is there, just give it – the infrastructure is there," she told PA. "For me, menB isn't optional. You don't get to choose whether it comes into your family. The vaccine is there, it's licensed, it should be offered to every young person who was born before 2015 in order to protect and preserve life."
Remembering Alfie Jake Mullans
Mrs Mullans described her son as a "beautiful soul" and "a breath of fresh air to be around." Alfie, who died on June 9, 2023, was a fit and healthy young man who enjoyed rugby and was a passionate football fan. He was a student at Bury College, studying engineering and barbering, with aspirations to join the Royal Engineers.
"He would be devastated at what's going on in Kent, to see young people not being protected and the Government failing to do what they should be doing," Mrs Mullans added. "I wish that I was not having to campaign. I wish I was back in my perfect life where I had my children."
Outbreak in Kent and Vaccination Response
The campaign's resurgence coincides with a major vaccination programme for students in Kent, launched on Wednesday and subsequently expanded. As of Friday, NHS Kent and Medway reported that 4,514 vaccines have been administered, alongside 10,561 doses of antibiotics.
The UK Health Security Agency confirmed that the number of meningitis B cases linked to the outbreak has reached 29, including 18 confirmed cases and 11 probable cases. Tragically, there have been two deaths, including 18-year-old Juliette Kenny, whose family described their "immeasurable loss" and are also campaigning for routine access to the meningitis B vaccination for teenagers and young people.
Mrs Mullans expressed solidarity with Juliette's family, stating, "My heart breaks for them. It just takes me right back to when we lost Alfie. I can't fully understand how they're feeling, but I know how it felt for me losing my son. No parent should ever go through that."
Political Pressure and Public Support
While petitions on Change.org do not automatically trigger parliamentary debates like government e-petitions, they can generate substantial political pressure. A Change.org spokesperson noted, "Over 13,000 people have now signed Marrissa's petition on Change.org in just three days — bringing her support to over 57,000 signatures. That is a strong show of public feeling, and a clear message to the government that people across the UK want action on this now, following the tragic events in Kent this week."
Mrs Mullans has previously been informed that cost-effectiveness concerns are a reason why young people are not currently offered the jab. However, the recent outbreak and growing public support underscore the urgency of addressing this gap in vaccination coverage to prevent further tragedies.
