Nicole Zographou has issued a heartfelt plea for meningitis B vaccinations after her younger brother, George, died just five days after falling ill.
George Zographou was on his way to the Boardmasters surf and music festival in Newquay in 2017 when he began feeling unwell. His condition rapidly deteriorated, with uncontrollable vomiting and an inability to walk. By the time he collapsed, suffering a heart attack and a catastrophic brain injury, he was diagnosed with meningitis B, a bacterial infection known to affect teenagers and young adults.
A Rapid and Fatal Illness
Nicole, who works as a senior public health practitioner, described the speed at which the disease took hold. "He felt a little unwell. Five days later he was dead. That is how quickly this disease can take hold," she stated. "You cannot look at a healthy 18-year-old and imagine that they could be dead within days. That's what is so frightening about meningitis."
George's family was forced to make the devastating decision to turn off his life support. The coroner's report indicated that a vaccination would have been the only measure to save his life. "The coroner's report said the only thing that would have saved him was a vaccination. That's what it said on his on his death report," Nicole recounted.
A Plea to Young People
With the start of the university term approaching, Nicole is urging students to get vaccinated. "Please check. Please ask. Please have the jabs and get protected. Please don't make the mistake of thinking this won't happen to you," she implored.
Wendy Lee, Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, echoed this concern, noting a slow uptake of the meningitis B vaccine among eligible students. "George's story is tragic, but sadly not an isolated case," Lee said. "Although the Men B vaccine is now available free of charge for students from year 13, we are extremely concerned by its current slow uptake."
Vaccination Eligibility and Symptoms
There is currently a free NHS meningitis B catch-up programme. Young people born between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008 (the current Year 13 age group) are eligible. Additionally, individuals born on or after July 21, 2001, who are starting university or certain further-education colleges for the first time in autumn 2026 are also eligible for the free vaccination.
The vaccine requires two doses, administered at least four weeks apart, for full protection. Lee emphasized the importance of completing the full course.
Early symptoms of meningitis can resemble the flu, including high temperature, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, and a general feeling of being unwell. However, more serious warning signs include a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, rapid breathing, cold extremities, seizures, or extreme sleepiness and difficulty waking. A rash that does not fade when pressed can also be an indicator, though waiting for a rash to appear is dangerous as it may not develop early or at all.
Medical professionals advise seeking immediate emergency help if meningitis is suspected, by calling 999 or going to A&E. Prompt hospital treatment, including intravenous antibiotics, is crucial. Survivors can face long-term health issues such as hearing loss, brain damage, and cognitive problems.