UK health experts are recommending that all teenagers be offered a free meningitis B (MenB) vaccine around the age of 15. This updated advice comes after concerns were raised following the UK's largest and fastest-growing MenB outbreak earlier this year in Kent, which resulted in two fatalities.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advisory group has proposed introducing MenB jabs routinely for secondary school-aged children. This shift in recommendation acknowledges that teenagers are now understood to be more susceptible to contracting and falling ill from the disease. The Department of Health and Social Care stated that the advice will be considered, with any future programme updates to be announced in due course.

Following the Kent outbreak, which saw 29 confirmed or suspected meningitis cases, some parents privately purchased the MenB vaccine for their teenage children. At that time, official guidance suggested no wider vaccination was necessary for UK teens. The JCVI now advises that two doses are required for optimal protection against MenB, which can be spread through close contact, including kissing and sharing vapes.

Prof Wei Shen Lim, chair of the JCVI advisory group, highlighted the devastating impact of invasive meningococcal disease, stating that expert advice was informed by the "lived experiences" of those affected, including families who lost loved ones or witnessed life-changing complications. The JCVI has collaborated with meningitis charities throughout this review process.

Dr. Tom Nutt, head of the campaign group Meningitis Now, described the recommendation as a significant development in combating the disease. He expressed hope that this step would lead to greater protection for young people against the potentially fatal illness. MenB infection can lead to severe conditions like meningitis and sepsis, with potential long-term disabilities including amputations, hearing loss, and brain damage.

While babies are already routinely offered the MenB vaccine due to their higher susceptibility and weaker immune response, the vaccine was only added to the UK NHS childhood immunisation programme for those born after July 1, 2015. This means older children and young adults have not been covered by the standard programme.

The JCVI's current recommendation for 15-year-olds to receive two doses is based on new evidence indicating that their socially active lifestyles increase their risk of exposure and illness. Ministers in each of the UK's nations will ultimately decide on the financial feasibility and implementation of offering the vaccine through the NHS.

In response to the outbreak and subsequent concerns, a one-off vaccination campaign is already underway this summer, targeting first-time university students and other specific groups considered at higher risk.