Teenagers from 15 should be given free MenB vaccine, say UK experts

Teenagers from 15 should be given free MenB vaccine, say UK expertsImage source, Getty ImagesByMichelle RobertsDigital health editorPublishedJust nowAll teenagers should be offered a free vaccine against meningitis B (MenB) at around the age of 15, UK experts are now recommending - a change to previous advice. It follows concerns over the UK's largest and fastest growing outbreak that happened in Kent earlier this year.As a precaution, a one-off vaccination campaign is already being launched around the UK for young people heading off to university for the first time, among some others.Advisers are asking the government to consider introducing MenB jabs routinely for secondary school-aged people to better protect them against a disease that can be deadly. It will be up to ministers to decide whether the financial cost of providing this via the NHS is worth it. People getting the jab would not have to pay.Prof Wei Shen Lim, who is chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advisory group, said: "Invasive meningococcal disease is a rare but very serious illness, which can have a devastating impact on lives. "JCVI has worked closely with meningitis charities and would like to thank all those who responded, including on behalf of loved ones who sadly died or had life-changing complications. Their lived experiences were carefully considered."Two doses are needed for the fullest protection. MenB infection can cause serious, life-threatening problems including inflammation of the lining of the brain (meningitis) and blood poisoning (sepsis).It can lead to life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss and brain damage, and in some cases can be fatal.Vaccination can save lives.All babies are already offered the MenB vaccine because they are more likely to get invasive infections more often than other age groups, and their bodies are less likely to be able to fight them off.It was added to the UK NHS childhood immunis...