Government advisers in the UK have recommended that all teenagers be offered a vaccine on the National Health Service (NHS) to protect against meningitis B (MenB), a potentially deadly disease. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has proposed that the jab be administered around the age of 15, with provisions for catch-up programs for those who miss the opportunity.
This recommendation follows a series of meningitis outbreaks, including a significant one in Kent earlier this year that resulted in two teenage fatalities. The JCVI's proposal suggests that children born on or after May 1, 2015, who received the MenB vaccine as infants, should get a booster dose at approximately 15 years old. The first cohort eligible for this booster would turn 15 in 2030. For children who did not receive the vaccine as babies, the recommendation is to offer two doses of the MenB vaccine at around age 15.
Additionally, the JCVI supports offering two doses of the MenB vaccine to individuals born on or before April 30, 2015. These individuals were not eligible for the MenB vaccine as infants under the NHS program. Vaccinating them as teenagers would offer protection during a period when they remain at higher risk of the disease. The committee also advocates for a catch-up program to ensure that anyone who misses their vaccine due to the rollout timeline can still be vaccinated.
This proposed routine program is distinct from a one-off summer program announced recently. That program offers the MenB vaccine, consisting of two doses, to approximately one million Year 13 pupils and individuals under 25 starting university this autumn. These vaccinations began in July, with the second dose administered in August, requiring at least 28 days between doses for full protection.
Data indicates that the MenB vaccine is highly effective, providing robust protection for at least five years post-vaccination. The recent outbreaks have highlighted the risk, particularly among young people who live in close proximity in settings like university halls of residence, shared housing, and during social events, which can increase the transmission of MenB.
Experts suggest that a recent decline in population immunity against MenB may be a contributing factor to the increase in meningitis clusters. Meningococcal disease cases typically follow cycles of 20 to 30 years, with cases rising when population immunity wanes and new strains emerge against which the population lacks immunity.
Meningitis Now, a charity, has welcomed the JCVI's recommendation, describing it as a significant step in combating the disease. The organization has consistently advocated for the vaccination of this age group, emphasizing their continued risk. They are urging for the prompt implementation of the program to ensure all eligible young people can benefit from the vaccine without delay.