Teenagers from 15 should be given free meningitis B vaccine, say experts

All teenagers should be offered a free vaccine against meningitis B (MenB) at around the age of 15, UK experts are now recommending – a change to previous advice.

It follows concerns over the UK’s largest and fastest growing outbreak that happened in Kent earlier this year, in which two people died.

As a precaution, a one-off vaccination campaign is already being launched around the UK this summer for young people heading off to university for the first time, among some others.

Advisers, external are asking the government to consider introducing MenB jabs routinely for secondary school-aged people to better protect them against a disease that can be deadly.

It will be up to ministers in each nation of the UK to decide whether the financial cost of providing this via the NHS is worth it and, if so, how to offer it.

People getting the jab would not have to pay.

Shortly after the outbreak in Kent, when there were 29 confirmed or suspected meningitis cases and two deaths, there was a rush on some pharmacies by parents buying the vaccine privately for their teenage children.

At the time, the government and the JCVI said there was no need for wider vaccination of teens in the UK.

The advice has now changed in recognition of teenagers being more likely to catch it and fall ill. Two doses are needed for the fullest protection.

Meningitis infections can be spread through close contact – including kissing or sharing vapes.

Prof Wei Shen Lim, who is chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advisory group, said: “Invasive meningococcal disease is a rare but very serious illness, which can have a devastating impact on lives.

“JCVI has worked closely with meningitis charities and would like to thank all those who responded, including on behalf of loved ones who sadly died or had life-changing complications. Their lived experiences were carefully considered.”

Dr Tom Nutt, head of campaign group Meningitis Now, called the recommendation a “significant moment” in the fight against the disease.

“Today’s recommendation is an important step towards ensuring that far more young people are protected from this devastating disease,” he told the BBC.