15 years old should be given free MenB vaccine, experts said

All teenagers should be offered a free meningitis (Meningococcal) vaccine at age 15, UK experts now recommend – reversing previous advice.

It follows the threat of the largest and fastest growing epidemic in the United Kingdom It happened in Kent earlier this year.

As a precaution, a one-time vaccination campaign was launched in the UK this summer Young people going to university for the first timeamong others.

Advisers are calling on the government to consider introducing regular MenB jabs to high school-aged people to better protect against the deadly disease.

It will be up to providers in each country of the UK to decide whether the financial cost of providing this through the NHS is worth it, and if so, how it is provided.

People who get jabs don’t need to pay.

Professor Wei Shen Lim, chairman of the Joint Committee on Immunization and Immunization (JCVI) Advisory Group, said: “Invasive meningitis is a rare but serious disease, which has a devastating impact on life.

“JCVI has worked closely with meningitis charities and would like to thank all those who responded, including relatives of those who have sadly passed away or experienced life-changing complications. Their life experiences are carefully trusted.”

Two doses are required for full protection.

MenB infection can cause serious, life-threatening complications, including damage to the lining of the brain (meninging) and blood poisoning (sepsis).

It can lead to life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss, and brain damage, and in some cases, it can even lead to death.

The vaccine can save lives.

All infants are already given the MenB vaccine because they are more likely to get invasive infections than other age groups and their bodies are less likely to fight them off.

It has been added to the UK NHS childhood vaccination program for babies born after 1 July 2015.

However, minors and adults over the age of 11 are not allowed in Japan.

The JCVI says these teens should get two doses when they turn 15, because the infection can be spread through close contact — such as kissing or drinking vapes and drinks.

The JCVI said this recommendation was based on “recent new evidence” and changes its previous recommendation, which it said was neither necessary nor cost-effective.

If the recommendation is accepted, anyone with childhood jabs would only need one extra dose as a teenager instead of two.