Meningitis Research Foundation

10/08/2026

💙💜One case of meningitis. Two lives changed forever.

🩺When Andy Marso contracted bacterial meningitis, Dr. Leah Luckeroth recognised the signs and acted quickly, helping to save his life.

Andy survived, but meningitis left him with life-changing disabilities. For Dr. Leah, treating Andy became a defining moment - one that continues to shape her work more than 20 years later.

Today, Andy is a Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO) member, using his lived experience to advocate for meningitis vaccination. Dr. Leah continues to educate healthcare professionals and champion prevention.🤝

Through Meningitis in your words, they share their two different perspectives, highlighting how meningitis affects not only the person diagnosed, but everyone around them.

📖 Read both stories in Meningitis in your words: meningitis.org/meningitis-in-your-words

03/08/2026

We are delighted to share that our meningitis baby watch leaflet is now available in Welsh. 👶

This free resource helps parents and carers in Wales recognise the signs and symptoms of meningitis and sepsis in babies, so that they can act quickly if they are worried.

Meningitis can affect anyone, but babies are particularly vulnerable. Knowing what to look for could make all the difference. 💜

You can order free copies of the Welsh language baby watch leaflet through our website or download it to share with families in your community: https://ow.ly/ZohP50Z5Exb

Here you’ll find free downloads to support you, from factsheets and guides to printable and promotional materials.

29/07/2026

📢 The 2026 World Meningitis Day toolkit is live and ready for you to explore.

What does it include? 🤔

📊 The latest global meningitis statistics.

📱 Brand new social media materials and email banners.

🖨️ Posters you can print and share in your community.

Whether you're planning activities for 5 October or raising awareness throughout the year, the toolkit can help you make an impact. 💜

Use the toolkit today and help spread the word.

👉 https://ow.ly/iJpa50ZrXeE

23/07/2026

One story can change everything. 💜

Sharing real experiences can raise awareness and help save lives.

As part of our Big summer of outreach, our incredible Ambassadors are joining community events, universities and local gatherings across the UK to share their experiences and help spread vital information about meningitis. 🗣️

Following the MenB outbreak in Kent earlier this year, along with other reported cases across the UK, helping people recognise the symptoms and understand the importance of acting quickly is more important than ever. ✨

Would you like to invite an Ambassador to share their story with your community?

Get in touch today: www.meningitis.org/outreach

21/07/2026

Fantastic to see the MenB vaccine rollout underway in Wales 🛡

If you’re eligible, book your vaccine today and make sure you get both doses for the best protection. 💪

Find out more about the MenB vaccine on our website 👉 https://www.meningitis.org/about-meningitis/vaccines/meningococcal-vaccines/menb-vaccines/

17/07/2026

🚨 Closing the MenB protection gap: a milestone is reached.

This week, the UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended better MenB protection for teenagers, with routine vaccination at around age 15 for those born on or after 1st May 2015. After more than a decade of campaigning on this issue, this could help protect generations of young people from MenB. 👏

But even with this, some of today’s teenagers could still miss out.

That’s why we’re also urging the Government to act on the JCVI’s strong support for a two-dose MenB vaccine offer for teens who would otherwise remain unprotected.

Read our full statement 👇🏻
https://www.meningitis.org/news-and-blogs/jcvi-recommendation-on-menb

We welcome the JCVI’s recommendation and urge the UK Government to fund it swiftly and protect teenagers who could still miss out.

14/07/2026

Did you know that Group B strep is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in babies under three months old? 👶

As Group B Strep Awareness Week (8–14 July) comes to a close, take a few minutes to learn about Group B strep, its link to meningitis and the signs to look out for.

Visit our website. 👇
https://www.meningitis.org/about-meningitis/bacterial-meningitis/group-b-streptococcal-gbs-meningitis/

An overview of meningitis caused by group B streptococcal bacteria, including symptoms, treatment and prevention.

13/07/2026

We welcome the news from the NHS England and UK Health Security Agency that bookings are now open for eligible young people in England as part of the one-off MenB vaccination programme. 💜

Our Head of Health Insights and Policy, Brian Davies, shares why this important step matters in the latest coverage in The Independent

🗓️If you're eligible, don't delay – book your appointment at your local pharmacy.

Make sure you receive both doses to give yourself the best possible protection before heading to university.

If you have any questions about the one-off MenB vaccination programme, you can find more information or get in touch with our Support Services team at meningitis.org.

www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/meningitis-b-vaccine-nhs-pharmacy-university-b3013482.html

The risk of MenB for first-year university students is about seven times higher than people a similar age who did not go to university

10/07/2026

Congratulations to supporter, Alison Goude, who has been nominated for Charity Fundraiser of the Year by the York Press Community Pride Awards. 🎉🏆

After losing her daughter Livia to meningitis in 2022, Alison has shown remarkable strength and determination. Alongside family and friends, she created the Liv Forever campaign, which has now raised an amazing £40,000 for Meningitis Research Foundation.

Alison has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of meningitis in older children and young people and to campaign for wider access to the MenB vaccine. 📢

Thank you to Alison and everyone involved in the Liv Forever campaign for helping to raise funds and awareness to drive change. 💜👏

🔗 Read the news story: https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/26142354.livia-wilsons-mum-nominated-community-pride-award/

08/07/2026

🌍 Another important step in the global effort to defeat meningitis.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has built on its first-ever guidelines for diagnosing and treating meningitis by launching a new practical toolkit for healthcare workers.

This toolkit gives clear, step-by-step guidance to help doctors and nurses care for people with suspected or confirmed bacterial meningitis, turning global recommendations into real-world action.

At Meningitis Research Foundation, we’re proud to work alongside WHO and global partners as part of the Technical Task Force helping to drive forward the Global Road Map to Defeat Meningitis by 2030.

Tools like this are critical for faster diagnosis, better care and ultimately saving lives.

Take a look at the toolkit here: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/B09660

💜Together, we can defeat meningitis.