The programme, which will offer MenB vaccination to eligible young people across the UK, represents a significant move in the fight against one of the most serious and common causes of bacterial meningitis.
Meningitis Now Chief Executive Dr Tom Nutt says,
"This is a major step forward in the UK's efforts to prevent meningitis and save lives. Meningitis Now has been campaigning tirelessly for wider access to MenB vaccination through our ‘No Plan B for MenB’ campaign, working closely with families affected by this devastating disease."
"Today's announcement will be welcomed by all those who have fought for better protection for precious young lives. It represents real progress and has significant potential to prevent cases of meningitis." "There is still more work to do to ensure everyone at risk is protected, including those already at university and younger teenagers.”
The announcement follows campaigning by Meningitis Now and supporters through the charity's nationally recognised ‘No Plan B for MenB’ campaign, which has called for greater protection for teenagers and young adults who are particularly at risk of the disease.
MenB remains the leading cause of meningitis in the UK. While babies have been routinely offered MenB vaccination since 2015, most older children, teenagers and young adults have not benefited from the protection that vaccination can provide.
Meningitis can strike quickly and without warning, causing life-changing disabilities and, in some cases, death. Teenagers and young adults are among the groups at increased risk of contracting the disease. Sadly, several young people have lost their lives to MenB in the recent outbreaks in Kent, Dorset and Berkshire.
Dr Nutt added,
"Vaccination remains our best defence against meningitis. We would encourage all eligible young people to seize this opportunity to get their MenB vaccination and to continue to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis, seeking urgent medical help if they are concerned."
"Every case of meningitis represents a person, a family and a future changed forever. We support families who have lost loved ones to meningitis and others whose lives have been transformed by life-changing disabilities caused by the disease.
"Many of those families have campaigned relentlessly for greater protection for future generations, often while carrying unimaginable grief. Today's announcement is, in part, a testament to their courage, determination and willingness to speak out in the hope that others might be spared what they have experienced. "As we welcome this important step forward, we remember those who are no longer with us and stand alongside the families whose lives have been forever changed by meningitis. Our thoughts are very much with them today."
We encourage young people and families to look out for information about eligibility and how to access the vaccine through NHS channels over the coming weeks.
Together with other charities, including MRF, Dr Nutt reflects,
“This progress reflects the sustained efforts of charities, families and survivors who have long called for better MenB protection. That collective determination has ensured this is an issue which has stayed on the national agenda.”
Meningitis Now will continue to work with government, public health bodies and healthcare professionals to ensure that as many young people as possible benefit from the protection offered by vaccination.
