A mother whose 18-year-old son died of meningitis is pleading with British authorities not to “deny access to life-saving vaccines” ago outbreak of meningitis in Kent. . Alfie, her son, was immunized against four types of bacteria that cause meningitis, but did not get the meningitis B vaccine because he was born before 2015 — the year the NHS started recommending the vaccine for babies. “Alfie was not protected because of the year he was born”his mother said in an emotional account to the BBC.
The story of Alfie Mullans and his mother’s appeal
Alfie Mulllans was a student in his final year of college and wanted to pursue a military career. He died of sepsis just one day after developing symptoms of meningitis B in 2023.
His mother Marissa Mullans says she had a “false sense of security” thinking her son was protected after the MenACWY vaccine, given to teenagers over 14.
In fact, the MenACWY vaccine provides protection against groups A, C, W and Y of the meningococcal bacterium, but not against group B.
“No one seems to know that. People think, as I did, that if they’ve had the vaccine in school they’re protected from all forms of meningitis — but it’s not true.”said Marissa Mullans.
Now the woman watches in pain as the outbreak of meningitis B, which has killed two young people and sickened 11 others: “It is terrible to see how lives are lost!”.
So that things like this don’t happen again, Marissa Mullans appeals to the health authorities in Great Britain to expand access to the MenB vaccine.
Who has access to the MenB vaccine
For children born after 2015, the MenB vaccine is given as standard in the NHS (UK public health system):
- at 8 weeks
- at 12 weeks
- with recall every 12 months
For those born before 2015 it was not part of the vaccination scheme, but was optional.
Authorities said vaccinating teenagers is not a priority
In 2025, Marissa Mullans contacted the Department of Health and Social Assistance (equivalent to the Ministry of Health in Romania) and requested the introduction of the vaccine for those who did not benefit from it.
Former health minister Ashley Dalton said a catch-up program for older children had been scrapped because the priority was vaccinating babies.
“We understand that those outside the established criteria may feel disappointed. However, eligibility decisions for all vaccination programs are made following a careful analysis of disease impact, vaccine safety and cost-effectiveness.”sent the representatives of the Department of Health.
Alfie’s mother was pained by both the wording of the response and the lack of action. Until authorities take action, she’s determined to keep speaking out and raising awareness about the type of vaccine that protects against meningitis b.
“It’s not perfect, we know that. But it saves lives and was denied to young people just because of the year they were born.” he stated this to the BBC.
