UK health officials are urging children and young adults to get vaccinated against meningitis as cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) rose to 378 in 2024/25, up from 340 the previous year. The increase comes alongside declining vaccination rates among infants and teenagers, leaving more young people vulnerable to the potentially deadly bacterial infection.
The MenB strain accounted for over 82% of cases, with approximately 313 infections recorded in 2024/25. The strain was responsible for 90% of cases in babies and all 65 cases in patients aged 15-19. Public health minister Ashley Dalton said: «This is 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.»
Vaccination coverage has fallen across age groups. Uptake for the MenB vaccine among one-year-olds dropped 0.3% to 91.4% in the third quarter of 2024/25, while coverage for the MenACWY jab among 13 to 14-year-olds stood at just 72.1%. The MenB vaccine is offered to babies at eight weeks, 16 weeks, and one year, while the MenACWY vaccine protects against four strains and is usually given to teenagers in Year 9.
University students at higher risk
Dr Helen Campbell, lead scientist at the UK Health Security Agency, emphasized the particular danger for university students. She said: «Teenagers should get their MenACWY in school when offered. 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.» All young people remain eligible for the MenACWY vaccine until their 25th birthday.
Cases of MenW, another strain of meningococcal disease, rose sharply to 43 in 2024/25 from 17 the previous year. However, this remains significantly lower than the 218 cases reported in 2015/16 before the MenACWY vaccine was introduced.
Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, stressed the urgency of vaccination. She 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.» Symptoms include high temperature, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, mottled skin, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and a rash.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
