Man whose son died from meningitis urges people to take up vaccine offer

"I would have done it in a heartbeat"

A man whose son died after contracting meningitis B is urging anyone eligible to take up the offer of a vaccine.

It was announced this week that Island students going to UK universities this autumn will be eligible for a new immunisation programme.

It starts next month - you can find out more HERE.

It reflects the UK's scheme which follows a severe outbreak in Kent.

Brett Martin's son Lucas died after contracting meningitis B in 2023 when he was just 21.

Speaking to Manx Radio, following this week's announcement, Brett says he's pleased with the decision by the Manx Government describing it as a 'big step forward'.

However he says it doesn't quite "close the gap".

Brett says: "The problem with the UK and now the Island's scheme is that it's only protecting first year students at university. 

"But there's no difference in the exposure between first year, second year, third year.

"They're all in that cohort of 18- to 25-year-olds who, aside from infants, are the most prone to contracting meningitis."

You can listen to the full interview in this episode of Manx Radio Newscast: