Meningitis B jab to be offered to one million young people

Around a million Year 13 pupils and those under 25 starting university this autumn will be offered the meningitis B (menB) vaccine.

The one-off jab programme will offer two doses to youngsters aged 17 to 18 in Year 13, plus those aged under 25 going to university or other residential further education this autumn.

Young people will be offered their first dose from 20 July and a second dose in August. Two doses, at least 28 days apart, are required for full protection.

It comes after a series of outbreaks of meningitis, the most serious of which was in Kent earlier this year, leaving two teenagers dead.

Juliette Kenny, 18, died in the Kent outbreak, and her family have been campaigning for teenagers and young people to be routinely given access to the menB vaccine.

The Kent outbreak was the fastest growing and largest seen in the UK.

Other smaller clusters of meningitis in young people since then have been larger than expected.

Close and prolonged contact in halls of residence, shared homes and at social events can increase the risk.

Year 13 pupils will be contacted via the NHS app, text or letter to come forward for the jab (Bexsero) manufactured by GSK, while others under 25 will book a pharmacy appointment directly.

Those who are unable to receive the second August jab because of holidays will still be able to get it in September.

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Health Secretary James Murray said: "The Kent outbreak and recent clusters indicate a possible change to the way menB affects people.

"While we assess the latest evidence, we are acting now to help protect young people at highest immediate risk as they enter university and residential colleges this autumn."

He added: "By offering two doses of the jabs ahead of the academic year, we will help reduce the risk of serious illness and larger outbreaks of this horrendous disease.

"I urge all those students who are eligible to come forward for their two doses in July and August to give them peace of mind as they head off to continue their studies."

The risk of menB in first-year university students is substantially higher than for those not at university, according to the UK Health Security Agency.

Cases of invasive disease tend to peak in October to November each year.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is preparing advice to ministers on whether a larger and longer programme is needed for young people.

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