Father of teenager who died from meningitis calls for catch-up vaccination programme

**Father of Teenager Who Died from Meningitis Calls for Catch‑Up Vaccination Programme**

*Dublin, 28 August 2026* – At a hearing of the Dublin District Coroner’s Court on Thursday, the father of Emily Ellen Culhane, a 16‑year‑old from Abbeyleix, County Laois, urged the Irish health authorities to introduce a catch‑up vaccination programme for meningococcal B (MenB) aimed at teenagers.

Emily Culhane died on 5 January 2025 at Beaumont Hospital after contracting a strain of MenB. The inquest, presided over by Coroner Clare Keane, examined the circumstances of her death and the broader public‑health response to MenB infection in Ireland.

### Family’s Appeal

Seán Culhane, Emily’s father, said that a “catch‑up MenB programme for anyone born between 2008 and 2016” would protect vulnerable teenagers who are currently classified as high‑risk. “These are kids. It’s only an eight‑year period of time to make up that shortfall. Every one of these kids should be vaccinated,” he told the court.

Emily’s mother, Bernie Moran, recounted her daughter’s sudden illness on 2 January 2025. After vomiting and feeling unwell, Emily’s condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to brain swelling and her eventual death. Moran confirmed that Emily had received all routine childhood vaccinations and had recovered from a recent bout of flu.

### Medical Findings

Consultant neurologist Dr Maria Gaughan testified that the meningitis progressed unusually quickly. She noted that MenB bacteria are carried in the nasal passages and that infection risk increases after respiratory illnesses such as colds or flu. Dr Gaughan said it was “possible there might be a link” between Emily’s recent respiratory symptoms and the meningitis, but that a definitive connection could not be established.

Consultant James O’Rourke, who treated Emily, expressed concern over the lack of a publicly funded catch‑up programme. He highlighted that a private MenB vaccine costs approximately €300 in Ireland, a price that may deter families from obtaining it. O’Rourke also pointed out that the United Kingdom offers a free MenB vaccine to students and young people.

### National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) Position

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has, to date, not recommended a routine MenB vaccination programme for adolescents. In March 2025, NIAC reviewed an outbreak of MenB in Kent, England, which prompted the UK to introduce a targeted vaccination programme. Following that review, NIAC concluded that the evidence did not warrant a

Article and image source: breakingnews.ie