Family's Devastation Over Teen Daughter's Rapid Meningitis Death
The family of an 18-year-old girl who died following a meningitis outbreak has shared their profound devastation while calling for urgent, lasting change in vaccination policy. Juliette Kenny passed away on Saturday, March 14, just one day after first showing symptoms that included vomiting and discolouration in her cheeks.
A Healthy Life Cut Tragically Short
Juliette's father, Michael Kenny, described his daughter as having been "fit, healthy and strong" before her sudden illness. Remarkably, she had completed the practical assessment for her PE A-level just two days prior, on Thursday, March 12. Juliette is one of two students who have died following the outbreak of meningitis B in Kent.
"No family should experience this pain and tragedy," Mr. Kenny stated emphatically. "This can be avoided. We want Juliette's legacy to be lasting change." His plea comes as more than 100 students in Kent were reportedly turned away while attempting to receive meningitis vaccines after officials closed queues on Thursday.
A Father's Heartbreaking Account
In a moving statement, Mr. Kenny expressed: "We are incredibly proud parents to two wonderful daughters. Juliette is a force in this world. With her beautifully positive energy she spread fun, love and happiness to those around her. The devastation of her loss to us, her family and friends, is immeasurable."
He detailed the rapid progression of the illness, explaining that he first became aware his daughter was unwell when she vomited in the early hours of Friday, March 13. Juliette, a Year 13 student at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham, exhibited no other symptoms at that initial stage.
"In the morning on Friday, she was taken to our local emergency drop-in as a discolouration appeared on her cheeks," Mr. Kenny recounted. "She was given antibiotics and sent by ambulance to A&E. Juliette fought bravely for hours, but despite the fantastic NHS hospital staff fighting alongside her, meningitis took her from us less than 12 hours later."
Call for Urgent Vaccination Policy Reform
Together with the Meningitis Research Foundation, the Kenny family is demanding immediate action to improve access to the meningitis B (menB) vaccination for teenagers and young people across the UK. "There are young people currently battling this and young people still at risk," Mr. Kenny warned.
Vinny Smith, chief executive of the Meningitis Research Foundation, revealed that in 2015, the charity's calls for the menB vaccination to be "routinely available" on the NHS for all at-risk age groups were rejected as "not cost-effective" under the criteria used at that time.
The menB jab was introduced on the NHS for babies in 2015, meaning most young people born before then remain unprotected unless they have paid for the vaccination privately. The Kenny family were unaware that the vaccine is not routinely available on the NHS for teenagers and young adults.
Growing Outbreak and Political Response
The UK Health Security Agency confirmed that as of Wednesday evening, 15 cases of meningitis have been verified, with an additional 12 under investigation, bringing the total to 27 confirmed or suspected cases. Currently, nine of the 15 confirmed cases are known to be caused by menB.
In response, 40 MPs have signed a letter to the Health Secretary urging the Government and health officials to collaborate with universities nationwide on catch-up vaccination programmes and to enhance public awareness. The letter also demands that the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation review eligibility for meningitis vaccines be conducted with urgency.
The vaccine programme in Kent has now been extended to include:
- Anyone who attended the Club Chemistry venue from March 5 to March 15
- Year 12 and 13 pupils at affected schools
- Students and staff at the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University
- Close contacts of confirmed or suspected cases
Mr. Smith of the Meningitis Research Foundation concluded: "People across the country will have seen that impact this week; we believe the UK Government can decide now to save lives and limit the lifelong disabilities caused by meningitis, protecting people for generations to come."
