Health authorities have initiated a targeted vaccination campaign offering protection against meningitis B to approximately one million teenagers and young adults. The program comes in response to ongoing concerns regarding meningococcal disease cases in the population.
Meningitis is an infection affecting the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While capable of affecting any age group, it most commonly impacts infants, young children, teenagers, and young adults, and can become severe without prompt treatment. The infection may be caused by bacteria or viruses, with bacterial forms typically being more dangerous than viral variants. Bacterial meningitis may progress to invasive meningitis, involving spread to the bloodstream or brain linings, potentially causing sepsis and other serious complications. Meningitis B accounts for the majority of severe meningococcal disease cases in the country. Official data indicates there were 378 cases of invasive meningococcal disease during 2024-2025.
Symptoms can develop rapidly and include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, rash that does not blanch when pressed, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle and joint pain, light sensitivity, and in severe cases, seizures or altered mental status. Several vaccines provide protection against meningitis causes, including the MenB vaccine, which protects against meningococcal group B bacteria. The MenB vaccine was added to the routine childhood immunization schedule for infants born after 1 July 2015, but older teenagers and young adults have not routinely received it.
The current program will provide free MenB vaccine doses to Year 13 pupils and individuals under 25 entering university or residential further education this autumn. These groups face elevated risk due to shared living arrangements and close personal contact typical of university environments. Research indicates meningococcal disease cases peak during October and November annually.
Meningitis transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, saliva exchange in coughs or sneezes, or sharing drinks and personal items, requiring close personal contact. Individuals who have been exposed should receive antibiotics as preventive treatment. Anyone developing symptoms suggestive of meningitis or sepsis should seek emergency medical care immediately, as early intervention can be lifesaving.
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