The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended that all 15-year-olds be offered the Meningitis B vaccine following deadly outbreaks and two deaths in Kent earlier this year.
JCVI Recommendation for Adolescent Vaccination
The JCVI is calling for an expanded programme after a one-off vaccination drive for university students earlier this year. The government will now consider the recommendation. Prof Wei Shen Lim, JCVI chair, said: “We have now provided government with a recommendation and additional considerations for a future routine MenB adolescent vaccination programme for those aged around 15 years.”
Details of the Proposed Programme
The JCVI recommends a booster jab around age 15 for those who had a MenB jab as a baby—those born on or after May 1, 2015. The first cohort this applies to will turn 15 in 2030. Children who missed the jab as a baby will be offered two doses. The committee strongly supports giving two doses to children born on or before April 30, 2015, who were not offered the vaccine as infants, protecting them at the point they are next most at risk. A catch-up programme is also recommended for those who miss a vaccine.
Impact of Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal B can cause life-threatening problems including meningitis and sepsis, leading to amputations, hearing loss, brain damage, or death. The bacteria spread through close contact such as kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, or living in halls of residence. Juliette Kenny, 18, died in the Kent outbreak, and her family has campaigned for routine MenB vaccination for teenagers.
Current Vaccination Drive
Currently, one million young people in England are eligible for a one-off vaccine drive, open to 17- and 18-year-olds in sixth form and students under 25 heading to residential colleges or university this autumn. Prof Shen Lim added: “Following the meningitis outbreaks in early 2026, a one-off programme for 2-doses of MenB vaccine is being offered to eligible young people this summer. We encourage everyone who is eligible to book an appointment online to receive the vaccine at a local pharmacy, in time for the second dose to be received before heading off to university or college. For protection, 2-doses of the MenB vaccine are necessary, at least 28 days apart.”
