Health officials are launching a vaccination programme targeting one million teenagers and young adults due to rising concerns over meningitis B infections. The initiative aims to protect those at the highest immediate risk, as meningococcal disease can lead to life-threatening illness.
What are meningitis and invasive meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can affect anyone but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults. Without prompt treatment, it can become very serious.
The cause—whether bacterial or viral—is identified through tests. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more severe than viral meningitis, potentially leading to blood poisoning (sepsis) and brain damage. This acute, severe form is known as invasive meningitis, meaning the infection has entered the bloodstream or brain linings.
Meningitis B (MenB) accounts for most severe meningococcal disease cases in the UK. In 2024-2025, there were 378 cases of invasive meningococcal disease, according to official data.
What meningitis signs should you look out for?
Symptoms can develop suddenly and may include:
- a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass
- sudden high fever
- severe and worsening headache
- stiff neck
- vomiting and diarrhoea
- joint and muscle pain
- dislike of bright lights
- very cold hands and feet
- seizures
- confusion or delirium
- extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking
Not everyone gets all symptoms, so it’s important to act quickly if any signs appear.
What meningitis vaccines are available, and who can get them?
Two vaccines protect against the main causes of meningitis and septicaemia. The MenACWY vaccine guards against meningococcal groups A, C, W, and Y, and is offered to teenagers aged 14. Anyone who missed it can get it for free until their 25th birthday.
The MenB vaccine protects against meningococcal group B bacteria and is recommended for babies at eight weeks, with a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at one year. These vaccines contain no live bacteria and cannot cause meningitis.
Meningitis can also arise as a complication of other infections, so other vaccinations help too. The six-in-one vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib/Hep B) protects young children against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio, and Hib. The pneumococcal vaccine guards babies against serious pneumococcal infections, including meningitis. The MMRV vaccine (replacing MMR in January 2026) protects infants against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox. The MMR vaccine is free for anyone who missed it, regardless of age.
Full protection from a vaccine typically takes a couple of weeks, and some require booster doses.
Why aren’t all teenagers vaccinated against MenB?
The MenB vaccine was added to the UK NHS childhood immunisation programme for babies born on or after 1 July 2015. This means teenagers and young adults over 11 have not received it. Young babies are vaccinated because they are more prone to invasive infections and less able to fight them off.
However, research suggests the MenB vaccine doesn’t necessarily prevent transmission, doesn’t target all B bacteria strains, and doesn’t provide long-term protection. UK vaccine experts now recommend the government consider routinely offering it to all teenagers around age 15, with each nation deciding.
Additionally, a one-off targeted programme is offering the MenB vaccine to one million young people this summer. All Year 13 pupils (those soon leaving for university) and anyone under 25 starting university or residential further education for the first time this autumn can get two free doses on the NHS. Experts say this group is at higher risk because meningitis B can spread in shared accommodation. Invasive meningococcal disease typically peaks in October to November.
How does meningitis spread and how can you stop it?
Outbreaks of meningococcal disease are rare but can occur in places where large groups gather, such as university campuses or entertainment venues. Some people carry the bacteria in their nose or throat without getting sick, but can spread it through coughs, sneezes, kissing, or sharing vapes and drinks. Close personal contact is necessary for transmission.
The infection can also be spread by someone with meningitis, though this is less common. It’s possible to get meningitis more than once. The best way to stop the disease spreading is to give antibiotics to people who may have been exposed. Vaccination also provides protection from future infection.
What should you do if you think you or a friend has meningitis?
Anyone becoming unwell with symptoms of meningitis or sepsis should seek medical help urgently at the closest Accident and Emergency Department or by dialling 999. Early treatment can be lifesaving.
