Minister for Public Heslth and Prevention (): Today, I am announcing a
meningococcal group B (MenB) immunisation programme to protect
those at highest immediate risk of MenB disease this autumn.
Meningococcal disease is a serious but uncommon illness caused by
meningococcal bacteria. It can lead to meningitis - inflammation
of the lining of the brain - and sepsis. Meningococcal disease is
life-threatening and can result in life-changing disabilities
such as amputations, hearing loss, and brain damage. It is fatal
in around 10% of cases. There are multiple strains of
meningococcal bacteria, including MenA, MenB, MenC, MenW, and
MenY. The NHS already offers the MenB vaccine to infants and the
MenACWY vaccine to adolescents and young adults.
Earlier this year, we saw the fastest growing and largest MenB
outbreak ever seen in the UK in Kent and there have been more
MenB clusters than normal this year, some of which have been
larger than normal. There is therefore significant uncertainty
about the level of risk MenB poses this year, with it being
plausible that the bacteria are now more likely to cause disease.
I have asked the department to undertake further work to better
understand whether the clinical risk has changed.
During the outbreak earlier this year, the Joint Committee on
Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which provides expert
independent advice on our vaccination programmes, was asked to
re-examine eligibility for the MenB vaccination programme. As we
await full JCVI assessment, I have decided to offer vaccination
as a one-off, targeted programme to the group at highest
immediate risk from MenB this autumn. In line with the JCVI's
assessment of the relative priority, I have made this decision
now to ensure that vaccination will be available from July to
mitigate risk from the start of the new academic year (from
September 2026).
People currently in the Year 13 age group in England and Wales
(those born from 1st September 2007 to 31st
August 2008) will be eligible for vaccination. All people within
this date of birth range will receive this offer irrespective of
their education plans. Comparable approaches will be taken in
Northern Ireland and Scotland for their equivalent school years
(Year 14 and S6 respectively).
People under 25 years of age attending higher education or living
at some residential further education settings for the first time
in the 2026/2027 academic year will also be eligible for
vaccination. Based on the available data, UKHSA estimated that
the relative risk of invasive MenB disease in first year
university students is substantially greater than in their peers.
Postgraduates or those starting a second (or later) year will not
be covered by this offer, as we are prioritising those at highest
immediate risk this autumn.
I am encouraging international students who are coming to the UK
to study to have at least a first dose before travelling to the
UK to ensure both doses can be received before the expected peak
of disease in October and November.
MenB vaccination only protects the recipient. The MenB vaccine is
highly effective, with vaccine effectiveness estimated between
85-95%. MenB outbreaks will still occur, however vaccination will
better protect those at the highest immediate risk.
The JCVI is updating its assessment of the appropriate
eligibility for routine MenB vaccination which will be provided
to minsters in due course. I will consider that advice before
making any longer-term decisions regarding MenB vaccination.
Two doses of the MenB vaccination are required for protection.
Further information on how to access the vaccine will be
published in the coming weeks. I strongly encourage eligible
people to come forward from late July to receive both doses
before the new academic year. The offer will be available across
all four UK nations.
