Get you up to speed: Father of girl who died from meningitis reveals symptoms appeared just 12 hours earlier
Juliette Kenny, an 18-year-old student at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, died from meningitis B, prompting calls for improved vaccination access from the Meningitis Research Foundation.
Vinny Smith, chief executive of the Meningitis Research Foundation, emphasised the need for the government to provide routine menB vaccinations on the NHS for all at-risk age groups.
Vaccination sites in Kent have reported dwindling supplies as 8,500 antibiotics and 1,600 vaccinations have been administered following the recent meningitis B outbreak.
What we know so far
The family of Juliette Kenny, an 18-year-old sixth form student, has recounted her harrowing battle against a meningitis B infection that ultimately claimed her life. Juliette was the second victim of a menB outbreak in Kent, which began following the death of a University of Kent student linked to the same strain.
Juliette, a Year 13 student at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, fell ill quickly, dying just one day after her first symptoms appeared. Her father, Michael Kenny, described her as “fit, healthy and strong” prior to the outbreak, stating that her condition deteriorated dramatically after a discolouration appeared on her cheeks.
Following Juliette’s death, her family has urged the government to improve access to menB vaccinations for teenagers and young adults, highlighting that many born before 2015 lack protection unless they have received the vaccine privately, which can cost up to £240. The Meningitis Research Foundation has echoed this call, insisting that the vaccine should be routinely available on the NHS for all at-risk age groups.
In response to the outbreak, over 8,500 courses of antibiotics and 1,600 vaccinations have been administered across Kent. Vaccination sites have reported shortages and some have had to close early due to dwindling supplies of the medicines.
Juliette’s family continues to share memories of her vibrant spirit, advocating for change to honour her legacy and ensure no other family faces a similar loss.
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Dad of girl killed by meningitis says she died just 12 hours after showing symptoms | News UK
The family of a sixth form student killed by the Kent menB outbreak have spoken about her last moments trying to fight the infection.
Juliette Kenny, 18, was the second victim of the outbreak which began to spread in Kent last week after a University of Kent student died of the infection linked to the same strain of meningococcal B.
Juliette, a Year 13 student at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, died on Saturday, March 14, just one day after her first symptoms appeared.
Her dad, Michael Kenny, said she was ‘fit, healthy and strong’ before her death.
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She had even completed a practical assessment for her PE A-level on Thursday, March 12.
Mr Kenny said: ‘In the morning on Friday, she was taken, by us, to our local emergency drop-in as a discolouration appeared on her cheeks.’
The teen was not showing any symptoms at the time, but she was given antibiotics and taken to an A&E in an ambulance.
But her condition worsened quickly, which is typical for meningitis as it can progress from mild to life-threatening within hours.
‘Juliette fought bravely for hours, but despite the fantastic NHS hospital staff fighting alongside her, meningitis took her from us less than 12 hours later,’ her dad said.
‘We were with her at the end, and the last sounds that she heard were the voices of those who loved her telling her how very much loved and cherished she is.’
He said the ‘devastation’ of her death is ‘immeasurable’ and something ‘no family should experience.’
‘Sharing stories of the empathy, warmth and fun that she created is helping her family and friends through at this time. Her energy continues to make the people who love her find a way.
‘The illness took her from us so quickly.’
Mr Kenny said his daughter had ‘beautifully positive energy,’ and he wanted her legacy to be ‘lasting change.’
Juliette’s grandmother, Linda Kenny, told the Daily Mail said she struggles to talk about the tragedy or ‘otherwise I will cry.’
‘We are all on antibiotics because we were with Juliette in hospital when she passed away,’ she added.
Vaccination sites and pharmacies have reported dwindling supply, with some places in Kent having to close lines early after medicines ran out yesterday.
In Kent alone, more than 8,500 antibiotics and 1,600 jabs have been given out to eligible people.
Juliette’s family have joined the Meningitis Research Foundation in calling for the government to improve access to menB vaccinations for teens and young people.
The majority of young people born before 2015 are not protected against menB infection unless they have had the vaccination privately. A private vaccination can cost up to £240 for the full two doses.
The meningitis jab was introduced on the NHS for babies in 2015.
Vinny Smith, the chief executive of Meningitis Research Foundation, said the charity urged for the vaccination to be ‘routinely available’ on the NHS for all at-risk age groups, but this was ‘not taken forward’ because it was ‘judged not to be cost-effective.’