"We cannot afford to wait for the next outbreak before taking action.”
The new findings highlight that similar meningitis outbreaks to the one in Kent could occur in the future.
Responding to the findings from the UKHSA, the University of Oxford and other academic institutions the charity’s Chief Executive Dr Tom Nutt said:
“This research is a stark reminder of just how unpredictable meningitis can be, and how much we still do not know about the way these disease-causing bacteria can change.”
Two young people tragically lost their lives to meningitis in the outbreak in Canterbury earlier this year, and many more received hospital treatment.
Genetic changes
Dr Nutt added, “The emergence of genetic changes that may have made this strain particularly virulent and a cause of severe disease, and the finding that similar events could happen again, underlines why we cannot afford to wait for the next outbreak before taking action.”
“Genomic surveillance and rapid outbreak response are vital, but they are only part of the picture. We must also do everything we can to prevent young people becoming seriously ill in the first place.”
A one-off programme of MenB vaccination was put in place this summer to protect school leavers and university starters in 2026, but there are no confirmed plans for what will happen to protect teenagers and young adults in coming years.
MenB vaccine
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, or JCVI, is an independent expert advisory committee that gives advice to United Kingdom health departments on immunisation and has recommended that young people should be offered the MenB vaccine at age 15, a plan that would take effect from 2030.
Dr Nutt said, “The Government must now act to agree to this recommendation but also address the gap in protection between now and 2030. We know from the young people, families and communities we represent that they want to see people protected."
"They should not have to wait for another outbreak, more hospital admissions or a family is bereaved before action is taken."
No Plan B for MenB
Through our No Plan B for MenB campaign, we are calling on the Government to act on the JCVI’s recommendation and ensure young people have the protection of the MenB vaccine.
Meningitis can strike suddenly and can change lives in a matter of hours. While we cannot predict whether another serious outbreak will occur, we can take steps now to reduce the risk and protect young people.
Join our call and sign the No Plan B for MenB petition now.
Meningitis Now will continue to support everyone affected by meningitis across the UK and to campaign for the action needed to protect future generations.
