A vaccination programme targeting one million teenagers and young adults is being launched, after concerns about the number of meningitis B infections. Officials say the programme will help protect those at "highest immediate risk". Meningococcal disease can lead to life-threatening illness.
Teenager's family 'heartbroken' by meningitis death Meningitis B vaccine to be offered to a million young people Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can affect anyone but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. It can be very serious if not treated quickly.
The cause of the infection - either certain bacteria or viruses - can be determined by tests. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis. It can lead to blood poisoning or sepsis, and can affect the brain.
This acute, severe infection is known as invasive meningitis. It means the infection has invaded the blood stream or brain linings. Meningitis B, or MenB, is behind most cases of more severe meningococcal disease in the UK.
Cases happen every year - in 2024-2025, there were 378 cases of invasive meningococcal disease, according to official data. Symptoms can develop suddenly and can include: a rash that doesn't fade when pressed with a glass Two vaccines protect against the main causes of meningitis and septicaemia. The MenACWY vaccine offers protection against four types of bacteria that can cause meningitis - meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y - and is offered to teenagers aged 14 years old.
Anyone who missed out can get it for free until their 25th birthday. The MenB vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria and is recommended for babies aged eight weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at one year. The vaccines do not contain any live bacteria and cannot cause meningitis.
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