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All teenagers should receive meningitis vaccine at 15, health committee says
The committee said the change follows recent outbreaks and new evidence that the vaccine protects teenagers during their highest-risk years.
- The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommended that all teenagers receive a routine meningitis B vaccine at around age 15 to protect against the disease.
- Meningitis outbreaks in Kent earlier this year left two teenagers dead, prompting the recommendation. UK Health Security Agency consultant epidemiologist Shamez Ladhani noted that declining population immunity likely explains the recent rise in clusters.
- Data indicates the vaccine provides strong protection for at least five years. Full coverage requires two doses administered at least 28 days apart for maximum efficacy.
- The Department of Health will consider the recommendation for a future routine programme. The JCVI also supports a catch-up scheme for children born on or before April 30, 2015.
- Meningitis Now chief executive Tom Nutt called the decision a "significant moment in the fight against meningitis," urging the government to implement the programme as soon as possible.
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Sky News UKReposted by 
Great Yorkshire Radio
Great Yorkshire RadioAll teenagers should receive meningitis vaccine at 15, health committee says
Teenagers would be immunised against meningitis B when they're 15 under the proposal to protect young people, following recent outbreaks of the disease - the most serious in Kent led to the deaths of two teenagers.
·United Kingdom
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Total News Sources18
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Center
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources are Center
55% Center
L 27%
C 55%
R 18%
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