Mother's Campaign for MenB Vaccine Catch-Up Programme Gains Renewed Momentum
A petition urging the Government to fund a meningitis B vaccination programme for all 16 to 23-year-olds has gained significant traction following a deadly outbreak of the illness in Kent. Marissa Mullans, whose son Alfie Jake Mullans died from menB at age 18 in 2023, has been campaigning tirelessly for a catch-up vaccination scheme.
Personal Tragedy Fuels Public Campaign
Marissa Mullans, a 46-year-old from Manchester, told the Press Association that young people "have the right to life" and no parent should endure the loss of a child. Her petition, launched in October 2024, had previously plateaued at around 40,000 signatures but has surged by approximately 13,000 signatures since Tuesday, according to Change.org data. As of Friday, the petition boasts more than 57,000 verified signatures.
Mrs Mullans described her son as a "beautiful soul" and a "fit and healthy young lad" who enjoyed rugby and was an avid football fan. Alfie was a student at Bury College studying engineering and barbering, with aspirations to join the Royal Engineers before his tragic death on June 9, 2023.
Call for Government Action and Awareness
The campaign calls for a catch-up vaccination programme targeting 16 to 23-year-olds who were too old to qualify when the jab was introduced on the NHS in 2015. Additionally, Mrs Mullans advocates for a national awareness campaign to educate parents and young people about the lack of protection many teenagers and young adults have against menB.
"The vaccine is there, just give it – the infrastructure is there," she emphasized. "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 to protect and preserve life."
Kent Outbreak Highlights Urgency
The renewed momentum comes amid a major vaccination initiative in Kent, where cases have been rising. NHS Kent and Medway reported that 4,514 vaccines have been administered alongside 10,561 doses of antibiotics as part of the response. The UK Health Security Agency confirmed the outbreak has reached 29 cases, including 18 confirmed and 11 probable cases, with two fatalities.
One of the victims was 18-year-old Juliette Kenny, whose family has also joined the call for routine access to the meningitis B vaccination for teenagers and young people. Mrs Mullans expressed deep sympathy, stating, "My heart breaks for them. It just takes me right back to when we lost Alfie."
Political Pressure and Public Support
While Change.org petitions do not automatically trigger parliamentary debates like official government e-petitions, they can generate substantial political pressure. A spokesperson for Change.org noted, "Over 13,000 people have now signed Marrissa's petition 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."
Mrs Mullans revealed that cost-effectiveness concerns have been cited as a reason for not extending the jab to older teenagers. However, she remains steadfast, adding, "I wish that I was not having to campaign. I wish I was back in my perfect life where I had my children." Her campaign continues to resonate across the UK, highlighting the critical need for preventive healthcare measures.
