Ross Simpson was 18 when he contracted bacterial meningitis after attending a university house party, sparking a terrifying fight for his life. His mother Gaynor Simpson now urges young people to take up the MenB vaccine, which is being rolled out across Scotland to prevent further tragedies.
Rapid deterioration from headache to life support
In 2023, Ross, a first-year computing science student at the University of Glasgow, called his mother saying he felt unwell. He came home the next day, dismissing his symptoms as a 'bit of a headache' and taking paracetamol before bed. That evening, he developed a stiff neck and aversion to light, prompting Gaynor to take him to the doctor. Recognising the signs of meningitis, she rushed him to hospital, where he became unresponsive and was placed on life support. A lumbar puncture confirmed bacterial meningitis.
Ross spent 10 days in intensive care before his condition improved. Gaynor later learned he had attended a house party the week before that left another student hospitalised with meningitis.
Mother's plea: 'It could save your child's life'
Gaynor Simpson, 54, a PR consultant, said: “Ross became critically unwell after just feeling a bit under the weather. It quickly escalated into a situation where it was unclear whether or not he would survive. To see your healthy, thriving 18-year-old child go from feeling a bit off colour to fighting for his life in ICU within the space of a few hours is a feeling that we, as parents, will never forget.”
She added: “We are immensely grateful that despite the severity of the infection, he is still with us. It is a very long road to recovery from meningococcal disease and as we have seen from recent outbreaks in the UK, others are not so lucky. It is a cruel and unforgiving disease that takes effect at terrifying speed. Given our experience, I can’t stress enough to young people and to their parents how important it is to take up the full two-dose offer of the MenB vaccine. It could save your child’s life.”
MenB vaccine rollout in Scotland
The MenB vaccine, introduced on the NHS for babies in 2015, is now being offered to older young people in Scotland. Eligible groups include those born between 1 March 2008 and 28 February 2009, and any others who were in S6 during the 2025-26 academic year, regardless of future education plans. It also covers undergraduate university entrants under 25 starting for the first time in the 2026-27 academic year, including international students, and college entrants under 25 starting for the first time in 2026-27 while living away from home in shared student accommodation, including international students.
Two doses are required, at least 28 days apart, ideally completed before starting college or university. All health boards in Scotland offer the vaccination by appointment, drop-in clinic, or a combination. Details are available at www.nhsinform.scot/menb-youngpeople.
Recent outbreaks highlight urgency
The killer bug sparked widespread concern across the UK earlier this year. Two people died – a 21-year-old university student and a sixth form pupil – leading to a targeted vaccine programme for 5,000 students. Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation at Public Health Scotland, said: “Immunisation is the most effective way of preventing illness from meningococcal disease. The roll out of the MenB vaccination programme is an opportunity for all eligible young people to receive vital protection from such a serious and life-threatening disease. We encourage all those who are eligible to take up the offer, and to ensure both doses are received for full protection.”
