The mother of a student who tragically died from Meningitis B in January is urging school leavers across the UK to take advantage of a new summer vaccination programme. Deniz Mills' 18-year-old son, Aaron, from Kidderminster, became critically ill during his Christmas break from university studies in Liverpool and passed away within days. His family is now campaigning to raise awareness about the MenB vaccine, highlighting that they were unaware of its availability before Aaron's death.
Mrs Mills expressed her devastation, stating, "We had no chance with Aaron, within hours we'd lost him. There was nothing anybody could do for him. So, if you've got the chance to have the vaccine, take it." The family believed Aaron was fully protected by his previous school vaccinations, only to discover after his death that he had received the MenACWY vaccine, which covers four other strains of meningitis, but not MenB.
In response to outbreaks and student deaths earlier this year, a one-off national catch-up programme has been launched, inviting approximately one million 17 to 18-year-olds born between September 2007 and August 2008 and registered with a GP in England to book free MenB vaccination appointments. These appointments are limited to July and August. Those aged under 24 who are starting university or residential further education can also access the vaccine at pharmacy walk-in sites from 20th July.
Aaron's family was informed about the summer rollout before its public announcement. "It made me cry," Deniz Mills said, describing it as an "amazing thing" that needs to be done, while also acknowledging the profound sadness that it came too late for her son. The MenB vaccine was incorporated into the NHS childhood immunisation programme for babies born on or after 1st July 2015, meaning most teenagers and young adults over the age of 11 have not previously received it.
Aaron's rapid deterioration began on 30th December when he complained of a headache. He was rushed to hospital after suffering a seizure and transferred for brain surgery, but tragically, he had already lost most of his basic brain function. He was pronounced dead on 3rd January. The family, who have been fundraising and raising awareness for Meningitis Now, intends to continue lobbying for free MenB jabs to be made permanently available beyond the end of the summer programme, ideally integrated into the school vaccination schedule.
NHS health officials are strongly advising those eligible to get vaccinated before the new academic year. Minesh Parbart, chief pharmaceutical officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, emphasised the importance of protection. Pharmacist Nigel Dugmoore added that students should plan ahead as two doses, spaced four weeks apart, are required for optimum protection, providing peace of mind as they embark on a new chapter in their education.