Scots mum whose son became critically ill with meningitis urges MenB vaccine uptake

A Glasgow mum whose son became critically unwell with meningitis in 2023 is urging young people to get vaccinated.

Gaynor Simpson’s son Ross fell ill with meningitis during his first year at university in 2023.

The 18-year-old reported feeling unwell before being rushed into intensive care just hours later.

“Ross became critically unwell after just feeling a bit under the weather,” Gaynor said.

“It quickly escalated into a situation where it was unclear whether or not he would survive.

“To see your healthy, thriving 18-year-old child go from feeling a bit off colour to fighting for his life in ICU within the space of a few hours is a feeling that we, as parents, will never forget.

“We are immensely grateful that despite the severity of the infection, he is still with us. It is a very long road to recovery from meningococcal disease, and as we have seen from recent outbreaks in the UK, others are not so lucky.

“It is a cruel and unforgiving disease that takes effect at terrifying speed. Given our experience, I can’t stress enough to young people and to their parents how important it is to take up the full two-dose offer of the MenB vaccine. It could save your child’s life.”

As a result of recent outbreaks, the MenB vaccine, which helps to protect against meningitis and sepsis (inflammation throughout the body) caused by meningococcal group B bacteria, is now being offered for young people across Scotland.

The programme aims to protect young people at higher risk of infection, especially those preparing to start university or college in the 2026/27 academic year, when close contact and shared living arrangements can increase the risk of meningococcal disease.

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, head of vaccination and immunisation at Public Health Scotland, said: “Immunisation is the most effective way of preventing illness from meningococcal disease.

“The rollout of the MenB vaccination programme is an opportunity for all eligible young people to receive vital protection from such a serious and life-threatening disease.

“We encourage all those who are eligible to take up the offer, and to ensure both doses are received for full protection.”

The MenB vaccine is being offered to:

young people born between March 1, 2008 and February 28, 2009, and any others who were in S6 during the 2025-26 academic year, regardless of future education plans
undergraduate university entrants under the age of 25 who are starting for the first time in the academic year 2026-27, including international students
college entrants under 25 starting for the first time in the academic year 2026-27 while living away from home in shared student accommodation, including international students.

It is essential to receive two doses of the MenB vaccine, at least 28 days apart, for full protection. Ideally, both doses should be completed before starting college or university.

All health boards in Scotland are offering the vaccination by appointment, at drop-in clinics, or a combination of both.