Health authorities are implementing a widespread vaccination campaign focused on approximately one million teenagers and young adults in response to rising meningitis B cases. The programme aims to protect individuals identified as facing the greatest vulnerability to invasive meningococcal disease.
Meningitis is an infection affecting the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While the condition can develop in anyone, it most frequently occurs in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults. Bacterial forms of meningitis, though less common than viral variants, present greater severity and can progress to blood poisoning or sepsis. Meningitis B accounts for the majority of severe meningococcal disease cases in the UK, with official data documenting 378 cases of invasive meningococcal disease during 2024-2025.
Symptoms can appear suddenly and include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, rash that does not fade under glass pressure, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle and joint pain, light sensitivity, cold extremities, seizures, confusion, and extreme fatigue. The infection spreads through close personal contact, including spit or saliva exchange via coughs, sneezes, kissing, or shared drinking vessels and vaping devices. Some individuals carry the bacteria without becoming ill but can transmit it to others.
Vaccines offer protection against major meningitis causes. The MenB vaccine is recommended for infants at eight weeks, twelve weeks, and one year of age. The MenACWY vaccine protects against four bacterial groups and is offered to fourteen-year-olds. Additional vaccines, including those targeting pneumococcal bacteria and measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, provide supplementary protection against potential complications. The new campaign this summer will provide two doses of the MenB vaccine free to Year 13 pupils and individuals under 25 entering university or residential further education. Anyone experiencing meningitis or sepsis symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
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