New figures have revealed the ongoing risk of meningitis B to students, with experts urging young people to be vaccinated ahead of freshers’ week.
According to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), meningitis B (MenB) caused 97 per cent of invasive meningococcal disease cases in 15 to 24-year-olds in England during 2025-2026.
The UKHSA said that invasive meningococcal disease has the potential to be serious, with 26 deaths having been recorded among 348 confirmed cases during the year.
It comes after an outbreak of meningitis B earlier this year in Kent that was linked to 21 cases in students and young people in the area, with two further outbreaks occurring in Dorset and Reading.
During the summer, a time-limited menB vaccination scheme was introduced, aimed at those most at risk of MenB disease, including school leavers and first-year undergraduates.
While many young people have already been administered the vaccine through the programme, the UKHSA has warned that thousands more remain eligible.
Matthew Dominey, screening and immunisation lead for NHS England South West, said: “In the last year, most meningitis cases seen in England have been MenB. MenB can be life-threatening, so it is vital that those eligible take up the offer of getting vaccinated.
“First-year university students are around seven times more at risk at catching MenB than other young people of the same age. Eligible students and young people are being offered two doses of the MenB vaccine to help provide protection before cases typically rise in autumn.
“All eligible young people can now book through the NHS National Booking Service so be sure to book your appointment today.”
Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "The MenB vaccine offer for students and young people is now underway - it's absolutely vital that everyone eligible gets their two doses, ideally before term starts or as soon as possible.
“Two doses are essential for the best protection against most strains of Meningitis B, so please don't leave it half done or too late. It only takes a few minutes and will be the best insurance you can have against this deadly disease."
Here The Independent takes a look at what meningitis B actually is, and why young people are at risk:
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis.
It can affect anyone but is more common in babies, children, teenagers and young adults.
Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly, and can lead to life-threatening sepsis and permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
How does meningitis B differ?
One of the bacteria which causes meningitis is called meningococcus, which can live harmlessly in people’s throats but can cause serious illness if it gets into the blood or spinal fluid.
There are different types of this bacteria and the most common is known as type B – what is often referred to as meningitis B, or MenB.
According to Meningitis Now, MenB is one of the most common causes of meningitis in the UK.
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis can include:
- a high temperature
- cold hands and feet
- vomiting
- confusion
- muscle and joint pain
- pale
- mottled or blotchy skin
- spots or a rash
- a headache
- a stiff neck
- aversion to bright lights
- being very sleepy
- seizures
Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all.
Is there a vaccine?
There are multiple meningitis vaccines available in the UK.
However, the majority of young people born before 2015 are not protected against meningitis B unless they have had the jab privately.
It was introduced on the NHS for babies in 2015.
The MenB jab offers protection against meningococcal group B bacteria and is recommended for babies aged eight weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at one year.
Other routine childhood jabs, including the 6-in-1 and pneumococcal vaccines, can protect against meningitis.
Elsewhere, the MenACWY vaccine is a single dose jab that protects against four strains of meningococcal bacteria. It was also introduced in 2015.
It is offered to teenagers in school and is also available to those entering university, up to the age of 25.
Why are young people at risk?
According to Meningitis Now, one in four 15 to 19-year-olds carry meningococcal bacteria in the back of their throats, compared with one in 10 of the UK population.
People can carry this harmlessly without becoming unwell but it can be passed from person to person by coughing, sneezing and kissing.
Increased social interaction in this age group means the bacteria can be passed on more easily.
In universities, students can be more vulnerable because of living in more “cramped” housing or halls of residence. Young people also come together from all over the world to live, study and socialise.
How is meningitis treated?
Hospital treatment is recommended by the NHS for all cases of bacterial meningitis.
Treatments include antibiotics and fluids administered directly into a vein, oxygen if there are breathing difficulties, and in some cases steroid medication to prevent swelling around the brain.
Patients may need to stay in hospital for a few days or weeks.
In cases of mild meningitis, patients may be sent home if tests confirm it is viral, which usually gets better on its own. Most patients start to feel better within seven to 10 days.
But severe viral meningitis may also be treated in hospital.
