Health watchdogs are concerned about a potential resurgence of meningitis outbreaks as a significant number of young people eligible for a crucial vaccination have not yet received it. A special vaccination program was initiated this year following outbreaks that began in Kent in March and resulted in two fatalities.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning that "similar outbreaks could occur again" and is strongly encouraging young people to get the meningitis B vaccine. The program is targeting Year 13 pupils, aged 17 and 18, and individuals under 25 who are commencing university this autumn. These groups are being offered the jab through local pharmacies.
However, data collected by September 20 shows that only 26.6 percent of eligible Year 13 pupils have taken up the offer. This translates to 212,549 vaccinations administered out of a total of 799,840 eligible individuals. While health officials note that coverage is gradually increasing, they express significant concern over the substantial number of individuals who remain unprotected.
University students, in particular, are identified as being at an increased risk due to their social mixing patterns. Research indicates that first-year university students face a risk approximately seven times higher than their peers who do not attend university. The UKHSA advises that eligible individuals should receive two doses of the vaccine, administered 28 days apart, and that appointments can be booked via the NHS website.
Dr. Sharif Ismail, UKHSA consultant epidemiologist, emphasized the severe nature of meningitis B, stating, "We know how devastating meningitis B can be." He added that survivors can experience "lifelong health consequences." Dr. Ismail also highlighted findings from a recent genomics study, which revealed the rapid and unpredictable emergence of new strains of meningitis B, similar to the one observed in the Kent outbreak, thus underscoring the potential for future occurrences.
The vaccination campaign commenced on July 20 and is scheduled to continue until March 31, 2027. Current data suggests the vaccine is highly effective, providing robust protection for at least five years post-vaccination.
Caroline Temmink, NHS England's director of vaccination, stated, "We want to reach more young people, which is why the offer of menB vaccination remains in place at high street pharmacies across the country, and we're encouraging anyone who is eligible, particularly young people starting university for the first time, to come forward and get protected as soon as possible."
The urgency for vaccination is underscored by the case of Juliette Kenny, 18, who died on March 14, just one day after exhibiting initial symptoms of the disease. Her family has been advocating for routine access to the meningitis B vaccine for teenagers and young adults. The outbreak in Kent was the fastest-growing and largest recorded in the UK to date, and subsequent smaller clusters of meningitis in young people have also been larger than anticipated.
Close contact in communal living situations such as university halls, shared housing, and social gatherings can elevate the risk of contracting meningitis B. Case numbers typically peak between October and November. The menB vaccine has demonstrated high effectiveness, offering substantial protection for a minimum of five years.