The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended that all teenagers across the UK be offered the meningitis B (MenB) vaccine on the NHS, following a series of fatal outbreaks. The proposal would make young people eligible for the vaccine at age 15, with catch-up programmes for those who missed it as infants.
Outbreaks prompt urgent action
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 resulted in the death of a school student. These incidents, described as “unprecedented” by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), were also noted as the fastest-growing spread experts had ever seen.
The JCVI recommends a booster dose for those aged around 15 who received the MenB jab as infants, with the first cohort to be vaccinated in 2030. Children who missed the infant jab will be offered two doses. The committee also “strongly supports” giving two doses to those born on or before April 30 2015, as they were not offered the vaccine on the NHS as babies.
Expert and charity reactions
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.”
Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive of Meningitis Now, called the recommendation a “significant moment in the fight against meningitis”. He added: “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.”
Background on 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. MenB is the most common bacterial form. About 300 to 400 cases are diagnosed in England each year, though outbreaks are rare. A one-off vaccination campaign has already been launched this summer for around one million young people attending university or further residential education in the autumn.
The family of 18-year-old Juliette Kenny, who died in the Kent outbreak, have campaigned for routine vaccination of teenagers. Dr Nutt acknowledged the efforts of affected families: “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.”
