Teenagers from 15 should be given free meningitis B vaccine, say experts
Experts in the UK now recommend that all young people be offered a free vaccine against meningitis B (MenB) from around the age of 15, in a twist to previous advice.
It follows concerns about the UK’s largest and fastest-growing outbreak in Kent earlier this year.
As a precaution, a one-off vaccination campaign is being launched across England this summer for young people going to university for the first time and others.
Advisers are asking the government to consider routinely administering MenB vaccines to people of secondary school age to better protect them against a potentially fatal disease.
It will be up to ministers in each country of the UK to decide whether the financial cost of delivering this through the NHS is worth it and, if so, how it will be delivered.
People who receive the jab will not have to pay.
Prof Wei Shen Lim, chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI) advisory group, said: “Invasive meningococcal disease is a rare but very serious disease that can have a devastating impact on lives.
“JCVI has worked closely with meningitis charities and would like to thank everyone who responded, including on behalf of loved ones who have sadly died or had life-altering complications. Their lived experiences have been carefully considered.”
Two doses are needed for full protection. Since the outbreak in Kent, which has seen two deaths, some parents have been purchasing the vaccine specifically for their teenage children.
MenB infection can cause serious, life-threatening problems such as inflammation of the lining of the brain (meningitis) and blood poisoning (sepsis).
It can lead to life-changing disabilities such as amputation, hearing loss and brain damage, and in some cases can be fatal.
Vaccination can save lives.
All babies already receive the MenB vaccine because they are more likely to get invasive infections than other age groups and their bodies are less likely to fight them off.
It has been added to the UK NHS childhood vaccination program for babies born on or after 1 July 2015.
However, this means that teenagers and young adults over the age of 11 do not receive this vaccine.
The JCVI says these young people should receive two doses when they turn 15, as the infection can be spread through close contact (for example, kissing or sharing e-cigarettes and drinks).
The JCVI says this advice is based on the “latest new evidence” and reverses its previous advice that it was not necessary or cost-effective.
If the recommendation is accepted, anyone vaccinated as a baby will only need a single booster dose as a teenager, rather than two doses.
This summer, pharmacies in the UK are offering a free MenB vaccine to young people about to go to university. This one-off campaign aims to help protect those most at risk and prevent something like the Kent outbreak from happening again.
Meningitis infections can spread through close contact; such as kissing, sharing e-cigarettes and drinks, or living in close proximity to a person who carries germs.
