Petition to provide a FREE meningococcal vaccine programme for ALL college students

Protect ALL students from meningococcal disease.

Gerard Rushton, on behalf of the Meningitis Foundation, is leading an online petition urging the NZ Government to provide a FREE meningococcal vaccine programme for ALL college students.

In January 2014, Gerard and Claire’s 16 year old daughter Courtenay died from meningococcal disease. Courtenay, or Courts as she is affectionately known to her family and friends, was intelligent, beautiful, sporty and full of life. She was 16 and a student at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School in Christchurch.

Courtenay left a permanent mark on this world; she will never be forgotten. You can read Courtenay’s story here.

Ever since Courtenay’s death, Gerard and Claire have advocated for all vaccines including ACWY & B to be available free, and also offer support and guidance to other parents affected by meningitis or loss.

This petition is a key part of the Meningitis Foundation’s 2025 Goal to ensure every college student is protected against all preventable forms of meningococcal disease before they leave school.

By ensuring every college student is protected against all preventable forms of meningococcal disease before they leave school, the New Zealand Government can save lives and reduce long term, costly, side effects of meningococcal disease, whilst meaningfully contributing to the WHO initiative and global roadmap to defeat meningitis by 2030.

You can support the campaign to protect ALL students from the devastating effects of meningococcal disease by signing and sharing the petition today! (Now closed, thanks for your support!)