Summary
The UK is not routinely giving the MenB (meningitis B) vaccine to teenagers, even though it is a serious illness that has led to recent cases and deaths in Kent. Babies receive the MenB vaccine, and there is a call for re-examining whether teenagers should also get it due to recent outbreaks and parental concerns about vaccine coverage.
Key Facts
- Meningitis B (MenB) can cause severe illness, including blood poisoning and brain damage, and it is sometimes fatal.
- Recently, there have been meningitis B cases in Kent, with two deaths and more students hospitalized.
- Babies in the UK have been receiving the MenB vaccine since 2015, but teenagers do not routinely receive it.
- Teenagers are currently offered the MenACWY vaccine, which does not cover MenB.
- A targeted vaccination program for MenB is starting at the University of Kent due to the recent outbreak.
- The UK Health Security Agency is assessing if more widespread vaccination is necessary.
- The Health Secretary is considering re-evaluating vaccine eligibility for teenagers.
- Parents have expressed concerns about the lack of MenB vaccination and communication about its coverage.
