MenB vaccine rollout will save others, say Torfaen parents of teen who died

Reacting to the update from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), Helen said they were extremely pleased by the suggestion of a “catch-up programme” for young people who have not previously been vaccinated, but added governments needed to adopt it “sooner rather than later”.

“It will also prevent others from suffering lifelong conditions such as amputations, deafness, and cognitive issues to name a few,” she said.

“As we have seen by the recent outbreaks, meningitis can strike at any time, it is fast acting and can kill within hours.”

She praised UK Health Secretary James Murray for his “impressive foresight and astuteness in introducing the MenB vaccine for freshers starting in September“, adding she had “every faith” he would “do the right thing” and extend this in line with the new JCVI guidance.

“Our hope is that Wales too will follow suit and protect our vulnerable youngsters,” she said.

“We are suffering the most horrific and tragic loss of our beautiful, exuberant and compassionate daughter, who had such a promising future ahead of her.

“We could not sit back and witness more teenagers die from a preventable disease.”