Meningitis latest
Dr Ranj
- Published
Meningitis has been in the headlines for the past 12 months and with thousands of young people going to university this month. Dr Ranj explains why it's important for young people to get their Men B vaccine.
In July 2026, a new one-off programme of vaccinating for Men B was introduced for 17 and 18 year olds, and under 25s starting university for the first time in the UK or moving into residential further education accommodation for the first time this autumn.
Men B is now the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK and is the one the headlines were about earlier in the summer. Like other forms of meningococcal disease, it's dangerous because it causes rapid, severe illness, can lead to life-threatening sepsis, and can be hard to spot early.
Eligible young people can get the MenB vaccine free for a limited time but birthdate and situational eligibility varies around the UK.
For information on how to book your vaccination and to check whether you are eligible, please see the relevant link below.
For more information about Meningitis including details of symptoms please click the link below
