BBC doctor Dr Ranj has warned that people can still contract meningitis even if they have received the vaccine, especially if they are young and were vaccinated several years ago. Speaking on BBC Morning Live on 3 September, he explained that immunity from some vaccines, such as the meningitis B jab, can wane over time.
Vaccine immunity and waning protection
Dr Ranj detailed the UK vaccination schedule, noting that babies receive vaccines against meningitis types A, B and C, while teenagers are given the MenACWY vaccine, typically in year 9 or 10. Anyone who missed that vaccine can catch up until their 25th birthday by asking their GP.
He highlighted that the meningitis B vaccine, a recent addition to the schedule, provides immunity lasting only about 5 to 9 years. "So, you've got to remember that when you're hitting your sort of late teens and early adulthood, you're not going to be protected against that any more," he said. "So, meningitis B has now become one of the most common types of bacterial meningitis that you can get."
Risk factors and symptoms
Government guidance published on gov.uk states that infants under 1 year are at greatest risk from meningococcus infection, while higher rates are also seen in teenagers and young adults. Adults over 65 are at increased risk of certain types, such as pneumococcal meningitis.
The NHS website lists symptoms including a severe headache, a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass, a stiff neck, joint and muscle pain, being very sleepy or difficult to wake, a high temperature, very cold hands and feet, eye pain when looking at bright lights, confusion, vomiting and diarrhoea, and seizures. Babies and children under 5 may also have a high-pitched cry, not want to feed, have a stiff body or be floppy, or have a bulging soft spot on their head.
University students at greater risk
Dr Ranj explained why meningitis cases at universities emerge at this time of year, as students arrive for the new term. He noted that one in four teenagers and young adults carry the meningococcus bacteria in the back of their throats, compared with about one in ten in the general population. The bacteria can spread through close contact, such as sharing utensils or vapes.
The NHS published a new update on Thursday, revealing that 246,089 doses of the MenB vaccine have been administered to young people since the programme launched on 20 July 2026, as of 31 August 2026. First-year university students face a risk approximately 7 times greater than that of young people of a similar age who do not attend university.
Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, said: "It's fantastic that nearly a quarter of a million young people have already had their first dose of protection thanks to the support of thousands of community pharmacies, but freshers weeks and moving into halls and student houses can significantly increase the risk of exposure to MenB infection, so it's vital to get fully shielded and book a second jab in the coming weeks."
Two doses of the vaccine are required for full protection, with at least 28 days between each jab. Those who qualify can book online through the NHS National Booking Service or contact a participating pharmacy directly. The NHS has emphasised that MenB infection can cause life-threatening complications, including inflammation of the brain's lining and sepsis, potentially leading to amputations, hearing loss, brain damage, or death.
