Father Of Laois Teen Who Died From Meningitis Calls For Teen Vaccine Catch-Up Programme
The father of a teenager who died from meningococcal B is calling for a catch-up vaccination programme for Irish teens. Despite the request, health authorities have ruled out a routine programme, citing low case numbers and current immunisation strategies.
Why it matters
It highlights the ongoing debate between public health policy, resource allocation, and the emotional advocacy of families affected by rare but fatal diseases.
<p>An inquest into the death of a Laois teenager from bacterial meningitis has heard a request from her father for a catch up vaccine programme to be made available for teens in Ireland.</p>
<p>Emily Ellen Culhane from The Birches, Lower Boley, Abbeyleix, died from a strain of meningococcal B at Beaumont Hospital on January 5th, 2025.</p>
<p>Her father Se n Culhane made the call during the inquest into her death at Dublin District Coroner's Court.</p>
<p>However the inquest also heard such a measure had already been ruled out earlier this year.</p>
<p>The National Immunisation Advisory Committee did not recommend a routine MenB vaccination programme for teenagers.</p>
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