When I was a teenager, my friends and I went through our school years believing we were fully protected with our routine vaccines, only to find out too late that we weren't. We had received only one dose of the MMR vaccine, and as a result, many in my age group, including myself, suffered from mumps later in life. It was a scary time, realising that what we thought had safeguarded us wasn't enough. After the oversight was recognized, we all had to scramble for a second vaccination.

I am now a parent of two teenage children, and I find myself in that familiar, worrisome situation. However, this time the issue at hand is the Men B vaccine. Meningitis B is a terrifying illness with potentially severe consequences, yet our government has not ensured all teenagers have access to this crucial protection. It pains me to think that my children, or anyone else's, could be at risk when we have the means to prevent it.

Every parent wants to do all they can to protect their children, ensuring their health and safety. Our government introduced the Men B vaccine for infants in recent years, but this leaves out a significant population—our teenagers, who also need to be safeguarded. Why let history repeat itself when we can learn from past mistakes and act now?

The current NHS immunisation schedule does not include the Men B vaccine after infancy, and many parents remain unaware of its importance for older children and young adults. Studies have shown that teenagers and young adults are at increased risk of contracting meningitis B, as they frequently engage in social activities and live communally during their school and university years.

Immediate action is needed. I urge the government and the NHS to extend the Men B vaccine to all teenagers, integrating it into the teenage immunisation programme. Not only will this help protect our children, but it will prevent the spread of this disease throughout communities, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs in the long run.

Please join me in calling for an essential update to our vaccination policy. Sign this petition to demand that the government provide the Men B vaccine to all teenagers. Let's not wait until it's too late. Our children's lives could depend on it.