The latest outbreak of Meningitis B (MenB) in Kent has highlighted the urgent need for teenagers to be vaccinated against this devastating disease. According to new advice from leading health experts, all 15-year-olds should now receive a free MenB vaccine as part of their routine immunisation schedule.
This change in guidance comes after a significant increase in cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) among teenagers and young adults, who are not currently protected by the MenB vaccine due to a gap in their immunisation programme. In fact, research shows that IMD can have severe consequences, including life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss, or brain damage.
As part of the routine childhood immunisation programme, babies born on or after 1 July 2015 are already protected against MenB, but teenagers over 11 years old may not have received this specific jab. This means that they remain vulnerable to the disease, which can spread through close contact activities like kissing or sharing vapes and drinks.
Professor Wei Shen Lim, chair of the JCVI, has stressed the importance of protecting young people from invasive meningococcal disease, citing its potential for devastating impacts. The new advice has been developed in consultation with meningitis charities, who have shared their experiences of dealing with this life-threatening illness.
The rollout of a routine MenB vaccination programme will be subject to funding and implementation decisions made by each of the UK's nations. If accepted, teenagers would likely only need one booster dose if they had received the jab as babies, while others would require two doses for full protection. By extending MenB protection to all 15-year-olds, we can help safeguard their health and wellbeing.