Nicole Zographou is urging students to get vaccinated against meningitis B, a deadly disease that claimed the life of her younger brother, George, in 2017.
George Zographou, 18, was on his way to his first music festival, Boardmasters, in Newquay when he began to feel unwell. Despite his worsening condition during the journey from Bristol, he was determined to attend. However, he soon developed severe symptoms, including vomiting and an inability to walk, before collapsing and suffering a heart attack and catastrophic brain injury.
He was rushed to hospital, where he was diagnosed with meningitis B. Five days after falling ill, his family made the difficult decision to turn off his life support. The coroner's report later stated that only a vaccination could have saved George's life.
Nicole Zographou, a senior public health practitioner, highlighted the rapid progression of the disease, noting that George went from feeling slightly unwell to being dead within five days. She emphasized that the infection attacks the membranes surrounding the brain, causing inflammation and dangerous pressure on the central nervous system. The bacteria can be carried harmlessly but can become life-threatening quickly when invading the bloodstream.
"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," Nicole pleaded, urging young people to get vaccinated, especially as the university term approaches. She recalled the devastating impact of George's death on her family, stating, "We were really close, and I miss him incredibly. I'd give the world to have him back."
Wendy Lee, Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, echoed the concerns about slow vaccine uptake. "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."
She noted that university students are particularly at risk due to close living conditions, which can facilitate the spread of infections. Lee stressed the importance of completing the two-dose vaccination course, with doses given at least four weeks apart, to ensure full protection.
Currently, there is a free NHS MenB catch-up program for young people. Those born between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008 (the current Year 13), are eligible for free vaccination. 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.
Early symptoms of meningitis can resemble the flu, including high temperature, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, and general malaise. However, more severe warning signs include a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, rapid breathing, cold extremities, seizures, or extreme sleepiness.
Nicole Zographou stressed that the disease can be fatal in about one in 10 cases, as it was for George. She warned that meningitis season is approaching and urged individuals not to take risks, highlighting that the vaccination is highly effective.
She added that up to the age of 25, individuals have a higher chance of contracting the disease, especially when entering university and interacting with new people. "It really scares me that there are people starting university in meningitis season and yet people aren't taking this on," she said.
Lee advised that if someone exhibits symptoms like a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, or confusion, immediate emergency medical help should be sought, emphasizing that waiting for a rash to appear is dangerous as it may not develop early or at all. Bacterial meningococcal disease requires urgent hospital treatment, including intravenous antibiotics and fluids. Surviving meningitis can also lead to severe long-term consequences such as hearing loss, brain damage, seizures, and concentration problems.