Teenagers from 15 should be given free meningitis B vaccine, say experts
UK health experts are recommending that all 15-year-olds receive a free meningitis B vaccine following a recent outbreak. The government is currently reviewing the proposal to determine if it should be implemented as a routine NHS program.
Why it matters
This policy change could significantly reduce mortality rates among teenagers by providing proactive immunization against a deadly disease.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Advice has changed in recognition of teens as being more likely to fall ill
All 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, in which two people died.
As a precaution, a one-off vaccination campaign is already being launched around the UK this summer for young people heading off to university for the first time , among some others.
Advisers , external 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.
MenB: The vaccine young people shouldn't miss
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