The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended that all teenagers in the UK be offered the meningitis B (MenB) vaccine on the NHS, following several fatal outbreaks. The proposal would make young people eligible for the vaccine at age 15, with catch-up programs for those who missed earlier doses.
Outbreaks prompt urgent action
The recommendation comes after multiple meningitis outbreaks across the UK, resulting in dozens of confirmed cases and several deaths. In March, a major outbreak in Kent linked to a Canterbury nightclub killed two people and left over a dozen requiring hospital treatment. A similar outbreak in Berkshire in May led to the death of a school student.
As a precaution, a one-off vaccination campaign has already been launched this summer for around a million young people attending university or other further residential education in the autumn.
Details of the JCVI recommendation
The committee advises introducing a booster jab for those aged around 15 who received the MenB vaccine as an infant. The first cohort to benefit will be those turning 15 in 2030. Children who missed the jab as a baby will be offered two doses.
The JCVI also strongly supports giving two doses to children born on or before April 30 2015, as this group was not offered the vaccine as infants and thus lacks protection.
Prof Wei Shen Lim, chair of the JCVI, 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.”
Impact and family campaigns
The family of 18-year-old Juliette Kenny, who died in the Kent outbreak, has been campaigning for routine vaccination of teenagers and young people. The Kent outbreak was described as “unprecedented” by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the fastest-growing spread experts had seen.
Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive of Meningitis Now, called the recommendation a “significant moment in the fight against meningitis”. He said: “We have consistently called for the vaccination of this age group, who remain at increased risk of MenB disease. Today’s recommendation is an important step towards ensuring that far more young people are protected from this devastating disease.”
Nutt added: “Behind today’s recommendation are countless families whose lives have been forever changed by meningitis. Many have channelled their grief, loss and lived experience into tirelessly campaigning for change, determined that other families should never have to endure what they have been through. Today we remember all lives lost to meningitis and recognise this landmark step takes us closer to a world where no-one has to experience this devastating disease.”
About meningococcal disease
Meningococcal disease, commonly known as meningitis, is an infection of the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord caused by different bacteria and viruses. Meningitis B is the most common bacterial form. About 300 to 400 cases are diagnosed in England every year, though outbreaks are rare.
