After several outbreaks of deadly meningitis B, health authorities are considering offering a vaccine to 15-year-olds to combat the disease. This move comes in response to a tragic incident in Kent earlier this year where two teenagers lost their lives.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is recommending an expanded vaccination program for adolescents following a successful one-time vaccination campaign targeting university students. The government will now review this proposal.
Professor Wei Shen Lim, Chair of the JCVI, emphasized the severity of invasive meningococcal disease and the urgent need for preventive measures. The JCVI collaborated closely with meningitis charities, taking into account feedback from individuals affected by the disease.
Meningococcal B can lead to life-threatening complications such as brain inflammation and sepsis, potentially causing permanent disabilities or even death. The bacteria responsible for the disease can spread through close contact, including activities like kissing or sharing drinks.
In response to the devastating Kent outbreak, which was the largest seen in the UK, calls have been made for wider access to the menB vaccine among teenagers and young adults. Olivier Picard from the National Pharmacy Association highlighted the gaps in the current vaccination strategy.
Currently, around one million young people in England are eligible for a two-dose MenB vaccine program. This initiative targets 17 and 18-year-olds in their final year of sixth form and all students under 25 starting college or university this autumn.
Professor Shen Lim urged eligible individuals to schedule their vaccination appointments promptly to ensure full protection before commencing their academic pursuits. The two-dose MenB vaccine regimen requires doses to be administered at least 28 days apart for optimal immunity.
