The UK’s leading meningitis charity, Meningitis Now, is launching a new campaign today to tackle cases of MenB among young people. The campaign, titled “No Plan B for MenB,” aims to raise awareness about the effectiveness of life-saving vaccines against MenB and push for changes in the vaccination program to include teenagers.
Meningitis, caused by meningococcal group B bacteria, can result in serious illnesses such as meningitis and septicaemia. It can also lead to life-changing after-effects, including limb loss, hearing loss, and acquired brain injury. Unfortunately, one in ten people who contract bacterial meningitis will die as a result.
Meningitis Now’s Ambassador and TV presenter Seema Jaswal, who experienced meningitis as a teenager, is supporting the campaign. She understands firsthand the impact the disease can have on young people. Jaswal states, “Meningitis Now is contacted by families everyday who are experiencing the devastation caused by the disease. We are launching No Plan B for MenB to protect people in the prime of their lives from meningitis.”
The campaign is being launched outside the Houses of Parliament with the support of families affected by the disease. In addition, Jaswal and the charity are calling for three key changes: the MenB vaccination to be given to all those at most risk of disease, a MenB booster program to protect adolescents from 2030, and the availability of the MenB vaccination on the high street at a fair price.
In the UK, there are thousands of cases of meningitis each year, with MenB being one of the most common causes of bacterial meningitis. The latest reported statistics (2023-24) show that 27% of all MenB cases were seen in people aged 15-24 years old. This age group is at increased risk of catching MenB, yet many are unaware they are unvaccinated. While the UK has a vaccination program for MenB, it has only been available to babies and infants since 2015.
Meningitis Now’s Chief Executive, Dr Tom Nutt, emphasizes the importance of vaccines in preventing meningitis. He states, “Vaccines are the best way to prevent against meningitis. There is no plan B for MenB. We must vaccinate those most vulnerable to protect them – now.” The charity is calling on the government, NHS, and industry to reevaluate the effectiveness and availability of the MenB vaccine.
Kate Speirs, from Hertfordshire, shared her story of how her daughter Sophia, 19, nearly lost her life to MenB while at university. Although Sophia had received all the recommended vaccines as a baby and in school, they were unaware that MenB was not included. As a result, Sophia now lives with permanent hearing loss in one ear. Speirs hopes that through this campaign, other families can avoid similar situations.
The campaign encourages supporters to sign up at the Meningitis Now website and raises awareness that “there is no plan B for MenB.” Interviews and case studies are available upon request.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.