Sir Keir agreed to the meeting after MP and Meningitis Now Business Ambassador Alison Griffiths asked the PM to ensure his government are prioritising protecting young people against MenB.
Alison who is Member of Parliament for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton and survived bacterial meningitis as a teenager, said:
“At 19, I was in a coma after contracting bacterial meningitis. I lost 70% of my hearing and needed open heart surgery.
The MenB vaccine has saved lives since its introduction in 2015 for infants. But there remains a gap for high-risk adolescents, whom the JCVI have not vaccinated.
Following the devastating outbreaks within this cohort, in Reading, Canterbury and Weymouth, the JCVI is finally reviewing the evidence base.
So, can the Prime Minister tell the House: what are the Government’s next steps, when they will happen, and will he make tackling meningitis a priority for his new Secretary of State, and arrange a meeting for Meningitis Now and me?”
The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer committed his government’s support for further work on meningitis prevention, including a meeting with the Health Secretary, Alison and Meningitis Now. He said “The thoughts of the whole house will be with families and friends of the young person who died.” And added “Her question reminds us that vaccines do save lives and we must do everything we can in relation to that.”
Alison says, “Having survived bacterial meningitis myself at 19, I know first-hand just how devastating this disease can be. I was fortunate to survive, but too many families have experienced unimaginable loss, and too many young people continue to live with life-changing consequences.
“The recent outbreaks in Reading, Canterbury, and Weymouth are a stark reminder that meningitis remains a very real threat. The MenB vaccine has already saved lives, and I welcome the JCVI’s review of the evidence around extending protection to teenagers and young adults. Alongside Meningitis Now, I want to see renewed urgency in tackling this disease, improving awareness of the signs and symptoms, and ensuring we do everything possible to prevent more families facing heartbreak.
“I also welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to supporting further engagement on this issue, and I look forward to meeting with the new Health Secretary alongside Meningitis Now to help drive this forward.”
Our CEO Dr Tom Nutt added, “The tragic news of the death of sixth-former Lewis Waters in Berkshire, coming so soon after the outbreaks in Weymouth and Kent, shows why the government should do all it can to prevent this devastating disease. We welcome the Prime Minister’s recognition that lives can be saved as a result of vaccines and we look forward to meeting the Health Secretary with Alison Griffiths.”
“Like Alison, we welcome the JCVI’s review of the MenB vaccination and urge the introduction of the MenB vaccination for teenagers and young adults. In the meanwhile, people should be aware of the risks of meningitis, its signs and symptoms, and to know to seek medical help if they are concerned.”
