Teenagers from 15 should be given free MenB vaccine, say UK experts
BBC News 2026-07-16 13:34:18
Context: UK experts are recommending that all teenagers be offered a free vaccine against meningitis B (MenB) at around the age of 15, following concerns over the UK's largest and fastest growing outbreak that happened in Kent earlier this year. The vaccine can protect against a disease that can be deadly and cause life-changing disabilities. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advisory group has worked closely with meningitis charities and is asking the government to consider introducing MenB jabs routinely for secondary school-aged people.
Key Facts
- The JCVI is recommending that all teenagers be offered two doses of the MenB vaccine at around the age of 15, as the infection can be spread through close contact, such as kissing or sharing vapes and drinks.
- Since the outbreak in Kent, where there were two deaths, some parents have been buying the vaccine privately for their teenage children, as it is not currently routinely offered to teenagers and young adults over the age of 11.
- The MenB vaccine is already offered to all babies as part of the UK NHS childhood immunisation programme, which was added for babies born on or after 1 July 2015, but teenagers and young adults over 11 have not received this jab.
- A one-off vaccination campaign is being launched around the UK this summer, offering free MenB jabs to young people heading off to university for the first time, among some others, to help protect those at greatest risk.