Children and young adults, particularly university students,
remain at risk from meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia,
which whilst rare, can be devastating, life changing and
sometimes deadly. Latest UKHSA data reveals 378 cases of
invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) were confirmed in
2024-25.
The latest data published
today by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals:
- MenB accounted for 82.6% (313 of 378) of all cases, followed
by MenW (43, 11.3%), MenY (13, 3.4%), and MenC (0.8%)
- cases of IMD dropped sharply
during the COVID-19 pandemic but have since increased
- whilst IMD cases remain lower
overall, MenB case numbers were higher last year than in
2023/2024
- infant and teenage vaccination rates have declined, leaving
more children vulnerable to preventable disease
- the latest quarterly uptake at 12 months of age for MenB
vaccine showed it had decreased by 0.3 percentage points to
91.4%
- MenACWY vaccine coverage for year 9 students during the
2023/24 academic year was 72.1% - this is 3.5 percentage points
higher than in 2022/2023 but remains lower than coverage in year
9 students before the COVID-19 pandemic (88.0% in 2018/2019)
Two vaccines protect against the main causes of meningococcal
meningitis and septicaemia. The MenB vaccine is offered to
infants at 8 weeks, 16 weeks and one year of age, as part of
routine NHS vaccinations. The MenACWY vaccine protects teenagers
against four strains and is usually given in school Year 9 (aged
13 to 14).
Parents should ensure infants and toddlers are up to date with
the lifesaving MenB vaccine as disease rates increase. Contact
your GP surgery to book missed vaccinations.
Teenagers are offered MenACWY vaccines when aged 13 to 14 years
and anyone aged under 25 who missed out should catch up as soon
as possible, especially if at university or another higher
education institution.
Students can be at particular risk of IMD due to young people
coming together and mixing closely.
The MenACWY programme has been highly effective since its
introduction in 2015. Cases of MenW rose to 43 in 2024/25 - an
increase from 17 cases recorded the previous year, with cases
associated with travel to Saudi Arabia. However, cases remain
well below the 218 cases reported in 2015-16, the year that
MenACWY vaccine was introduced.
MenB caused 313 IMD cases last year,
affecting mainly children and young people. It was responsible
for 90% of cases in infants (35 of 39) and all 65 cases in 15 to
19-year-olds. It also contributed to the highest proportion
of cases in individuals aged 25 years and over (70%, 119 of 169).
Dr , Lead Scientist at UKHSA,
said:
The fight against meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia
continues with MenB still causing most of the cases last year.
That's why it's crucial parents remain alert to symptoms and
ensure their children are protected with the infant MenB
vaccinations. Teenagers should get their MenACWY in school when
offered.
All teenagers remain eligible for the MenACWY jab until their
25th birthday. If they have missed out, it is vital they get
vaccinated, particularly if they are going to university or
colleges where their risk of this often-devastating disease is
much higher. For students especially, it's vital they know the
key symptoms and keep a close watch on any friends who suddenly
get sick and, if concerned, seek medical help immediately.
Public Health Minister said:
These latest figures are a stark reminder meningitis remains a
serious threat to children and young adults.
I urge all parents and guardians to ensure their children are up
to date with their meningitis vaccinations as well as those
eligible.
The NHS vaccine programme offers crucial protection against this
devastating disease, which can take hold in a matter of hours. A
simple vaccination could save a life or prevent life-changing
complications.
Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community
Services at NHS England, said:
Too many children and young people are still not fully vaccinated
against meningitis – a debilitating disease that can strike
quickly and cause life-changing health complications and be
deadly if not treated promptly.
Vaccines to protect against this are offered free as part of the
NHS routine immunisation programme and I would urge all parents
to take up the offer of a jab for their children or arrange an
appointment with your GP practice if your child has missed one.
While the vaccines offer protection against the most
meningococcal disease, they do not protect against all forms,
which is why it's important for everyone to know how to spot the
symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. Seek medical
advice straight away as early detection and treatment can be
lifesaving.
Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia may occur in any order and
include:
- high temperature
- cold hands and feet
- vomiting
- confusion
- breathing quickly
- muscle and joint pain
- pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on
brown or black skin)
- spots or a rash (this may be harder to see on brown or black
skin)
- headache
- stiff neck
- dislike of bright lights
- being very sleepy or difficult to wake
- fits (seizures)
