Health officials in vaccination plea amid rise in meningitis cases

Health officials have urged children and young adults, particularly those in university, to get vaccinated against infections that cause meningitis and blood poisoning amid a rise in cases.

There were 378 cases of the serious bacterial infection invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in 2024/25, the latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show.

This is up from 340 in the previous 12 months.

More than 82% of cases last year – some 313 – were caused by MenB, up from 301 in 2023/24.

Most were among children and young people, with the strain responsible for 90% of cases in babies and all 65 cases in patients aged 15 to 19, as well the highest proportion of cases among those 25 and over.

It comes amid a decline in infant and teenage vaccination rates which is leaving youngsters vulnerable to the disease, UKHSA said.

Public health minister Ashley Dalton said the number of cases are a “stark reminder meningitis remains a serious threat to children and young adults”.

She added: “I urge all parents and guardians to ensure their children are up to date with their meningitis vaccinations as well as those eligible.”

Two jabs are offered to protect against the infections.

The MenB vaccine is offered to babies at eight weeks, 16 weeks and one year, while the MenACWY vaccine – which protects against four strains – is usually offered to teenagers in Year 9.

The latest quarterly data shows uptake for the MenB vaccine among one-year-olds has fallen 0.3% to 91.4%.

Coverage of the MenACWY jab among 13 to 14-year-olds was 72.1%, which is higher than 2022/23 but lower than before the Covid-19 pandemic.

All young people remain eligible for the MenACWY jab until their 25th birthday.

Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia include a high temperature, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, mottled skin, headache, a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and a rash.

Dr Helen Campbell, lead scientist at UKHSA, said: “The fight against meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia continues, with MenB still causing most of the cases last year.

“That’s why it’s crucial parents remain alert to symptoms and ensure their children are protected with the infant MenB vaccinations.”

Dr Campbell also highlighted the higher risk of infection among university students.

“Teenagers should get their MenACWY in school when offered,” she said.

“If they have missed out, it is vital they get vaccinated, particularly if they are going to university or colleges where their risk of this often-devastating disease is much higher.

“For students especially, it’s vital they know the key symptoms and keep a close watch on any friends who suddenly get sick and, if concerned, seek medical help immediately.”

Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, added: “Too many children and young people are still not fully vaccinated against meningitis – a debilitating disease that can strike quickly and cause life-changing health complications and be deadly if not treated promptly.

“Vaccines to protect against this are offered free as part of the NHS routine immunisation programme, and I would urge all parents to take up the offer of a jab for their children or arrange an appointment with your GP practice if your child has missed one.”

Elsewhere, cases of MenW rose to 43 in 2024/25, up from 17 in the previous 12 months, with cases associated with travel to Saudi Arabia.

However, the latest figure is lower than the 218 reported in 2015/16 when the MenACWY vaccine was introduced.