A mother from Bath is urging eligible young people to get the MenB vaccine after her daughter, Harmonie-Rose, lost all four limbs to meningococcal septicaemia as an infant. Around 53,000 people in the South West who qualify for the vaccine have not yet had a first dose, though over 30% have received one. The UKHSA is urging first-year university students to get protected after three student deaths this year. The MenB course requires two doses at least 28 days apart and is available at pharmacies or via the NHS booking system.
Mother of Girl Who Lost All Four Limbs to Meningitis Urges Young People to Get the MenB Jab
Harmonie-Rose lost her arms and legs after she contracted meningitis as a baby [Handout]
A mother is urging eligible young people to get the Meningitis B (MenB) vaccine after her daughter, Harmonie-Rose, lost all four limbs to meningococcal septicaemia as an infant.
Harmonie-Rose, from Bath, was just 10 months old when she fell critically ill with meningococcal septicaemia in 2014. She spent four months in intensive care and doctors initially gave her only a 10% chance of survival. Now 12 and in Year 8, Harmonie remains active and determined, but her life was forever changed by the infection.
Thousands Still Unvaccinated in the South West
Latest figures show around 53,000 young people in the South West who qualify for the MenB vaccine have not yet received a first dose, while more than 30% of eligible people in the region have had one. Thousands of doses have been delivered as part of a “one-off” NHS vaccination programme launched over the summer.
"You always think it won't be you but we thought that too," said Harmonie's mother, Freya. "Vaccination is one of the best defences we have against this disease so if you or your child is eligible, please don't put it off."
Official Advice for Students and Young People
On World Meningitis Day, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reiterated advice for young people—especially first-year university students—to protect themselves. Earlier this year three students died from meningitis, prompting renewed calls for vaccination.
Harmonie is now in Year 8 at school [Handout]
Dr Matthew Dominey, public health consultant and screening and immunisation lead for NHS England South West, said: "Meningitis B can be life-threatening and, tragically, it can kill. The risk is higher for young people in their first year of university, where close contact with lots of new people makes it easier for the bacteria to spread through everyday activities such as kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, and living together."
Fast-Moving Symptoms and a Parent's Warning
Freya described how Harmonie went from a baby who was babbling and trying to climb out of her cot to "a still and silent little baby" within a day. After initial cold-like symptoms, "a small purple mark appeared on her nose and within minutes it had spread across her whole body," Freya said. "Meningitis moves so fast. It can take hold in hours, which is why it's so important that parents know the signs and act immediately if something feels wrong, even if your child has just been seen by a doctor."
Despite her injuries, Harmonie swims, does gymnastics, dances, attends school and has won awards — adapting each day to tasks other children find easy.
How to Get Vaccinated
The MenB vaccination course requires two doses administered at least 28 days apart. Students and eligible young people can get the vaccine at participating local pharmacies or book an appointment via the NHS website. Public health teams urge anyone eligible to check their status and arrange vaccination promptly.
If you notice worrying symptoms (a purple rash, high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, or sudden lethargy), seek urgent medical help.
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