UK school leavers and new students to be offered meningitis B vaccine

Teenagers in their final school year and young people starting university across the UK will be offered two doses of a vaccine to protect them against meningitis B. This one-off vaccination program, set to begin in late July, is a direct response to an unprecedented outbreak of meningitis B in Kent earlier this year, alongside clusters in Dorset and Berkshire. Tragically, these outbreaks led to the deaths of three young people. Although the cases involved different strains of the bacteria, the vaccine, known as Bexsero, is expected to cover most of them. Experts note that the protection offered by the two doses, administered at least 28 days apart, is believed to last for at least six years.

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The Kent outbreak and recent clusters indicate a possible change to the way MenB affects people. While we assess the latest evidence, we are acting now to help protect young people at highest immediate risk as they enter university and residential colleges this autumn.

The vaccination will be available to all UK-born individuals between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008. This includes teenagers in year 13 in England and Wales, equivalent school years in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and individuals under 25 starting university or moving into similar residential further education settings for the first time this autumn, including international students. Health Secretary James Murray stated that the Kent outbreak and recent clusters suggest a potential shift in how meningitis B affects people. He emphasized that the government is acting proactively to protect young people at the highest immediate risk as they prepare to enter university and residential colleges this autumn. Murray added that administering two doses before the academic year commences will help mitigate the risk of serious illness and larger outbreaks.

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I urge all those students who are eligible to come forward for their two doses in July and August, to give them peace of mind as they head off to continue their studies.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has observed that cases of invasive meningococcal disease typically peak between October and November each year. Murray urged all eligible students to come forward for their vaccinations in July and August, providing them with peace of mind as they begin their studies. Caroline Temmink, director of vaccination at NHS England, confirmed that eligible individuals will be contacted directly through the NHS app, text messages, and email. Those under 25 starting university for the first time will be able to book appointments directly with participating pharmacies. Meningitis B bacteria can be carried harmlessly in the nose and throat but can cause severe infections like meningitis and blood poisoning in some individuals. The NHS reports that up to 10% of bacterial meningitis cases are fatal, and survivors may face lifelong health issues such as hearing loss or epilepsy.

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Those eligible will be contacted directly through the NHS app, by text and email, and for those under 25 starting university for the first time they will be able to book their appointment directly with available pharmacies.