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Original poster

Meningitis B

68 replies

notafancyusername · 16/03/2026 10:28

Anyone with a 19/20 year old ?
Should we be getting the meningitis B vaccination for them ?

OP posts:
AmberTigerEyes · 17/03/2026 19:58

cinnamonroll1 · 17/03/2026 19:54

Because that wouldn’t be cost effective - that would mean vaccinating everyone under 50 every 5 years, as that’s roughly how long protection lasts for. The most vulnerable to the infection are babies/toddlers and young people starting uni, hence that’s when the vaccine is recommended. Overall, incidence of the disease is low in the general population so not something the nhs can afford to cover for everyone.

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But they’ve only been vaccinating babies since 2015 for Men B. There’s no NHS provided Men B for 18yr olds and only off to Uni students?

678socks · 17/03/2026 19:57

Is that definitely correct that essentially anyone vaccinated as a baby or child will need a pre uni booster? Thanks

cinnamonroll1 · 17/03/2026 19:54

AmberTigerEyes · 17/03/2026 19:25

Thanks. As they got the first jabs as babies I am sure the NHS is footing the future bill for the booster too. Which makes it even more incomprehensible that they didn’t get everyone under age 50 vaccinated in 2015 as that’s the age range for the vaccine- 2 to 50.

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Because that wouldn’t be cost effective - that would mean vaccinating everyone under 50 every 5 years, as that’s roughly how long protection lasts for. The most vulnerable to the infection are babies/toddlers and young people starting uni, hence that’s when the vaccine is recommended. Overall, incidence of the disease is low in the general population so not something the nhs can afford to cover for everyone.

Untailored · 17/03/2026 19:29

Of course this outbreak is scary but you all need to keep it in perspective.

There were 341 cases of MenB in 2023/24, of which 81 were in the 15-24 age group. The mortality rate across all cases was 2.3%. That’s less than 8 people. Source: NICE website.

It is not shocking or outrageous that the NHS decided not to vaccinate the 18-25 age group, give how much it would cost.

AmberTigerEyes · 17/03/2026 19:25

cinnamonroll1 · 17/03/2026 19:18

It doesn’t provide lifelong protection, only lasts for a few years. So even if current primary school kids/teens had the vaccine as babies it wouldn’t be protective now. Need a booster pre-uni.

Show quote history

Thanks. As they got the first jabs as babies I am sure the NHS is footing the future bill for the booster too. Which makes it even more incomprehensible that they didn’t get everyone under age 50 vaccinated in 2015 as that’s the age range for the vaccine- 2 to 50.

GoodVibesHere · 17/03/2026 19:18

I paid the £220 for my 19yr old DD to have the MenB jab in Superdrug before she left for Uni in September.

It's really bad that the NHS hasn't been giving this jab to DC born before 2015.

cinnamonroll1 · 17/03/2026 19:18

AmberTigerEyes · 17/03/2026 19:12

I saw and while I relieved by children are vaccinated (born post 2015), I was shocked that they’ve withheld this vaccine for 11 years from older children who are now dying from it.

It doesn’t provide lifelong protection, only lasts for a few years. So even if current primary school kids/teens had the vaccine as babies it wouldn’t be protective now. Need a booster pre-uni.

Dobbyismyabsolutefav · 17/03/2026 19:15

My DD had the Meningitis B jab as sadly a student died at her uni. I arranged the jab through our local pharmacy and the cost was around £100 per jab, they need two.

For those going to uni in September put a leaflet up in the communal kitchen showing the symptoms of Meningitis. Also talk to your YP about keeping an eye out for their flatmates if they are unwell.

Dobbyismyabsolutefav · 17/03/2026 19:15

My DD had the Meningitis B jab as sadly a student died at her uni. I arranged the jab through our local pharmacy and the cost was around £100 per jab, they need two.

For those going to uni in September put a leaflet up in the communal kitchen showing the symptoms of Meningitis. Also talk to your YP about keeping an eye out for their flatmates if they are unwell.

QueenAstrid · 17/03/2026 19:15

My DD’s private vaccine has been cancelled too. I really hope that as a result of this outbreak they’ll do a mass vaccination of this age group.

Scarlettpixie · 17/03/2026 19:13

I have a 19 yo. He had the vaccine at boots when he started uni.

AmberTigerEyes · 17/03/2026 19:12

I saw and while I relieved by children are vaccinated (born post 2015), I was shocked that they’ve withheld this vaccine for 11 years from older children who are now dying from it.

Fairenphort · 17/03/2026 19:08

You can't get the Men B vaccine privately now, the government is prioritising stock for Kent. DS's appointment for vaccination has been cancelled.
The NHS should have caught this age group up on this vaccination.

Batties · 16/03/2026 16:49

I’m really shocked that this vaccine is not available on the NHS for those who didn’t receive it as a child.

Katemax82 · 16/03/2026 16:47

My 20 year old is meant to be doing Kung Fu in Canterbury tonight but my husband doesn't want him to go

BeautifulSongsofLove · 16/03/2026 16:32

This is the latest statement from the UK Health Security Agency Regional Deputy Director for the South East, Trish Mannes - Published 16 March 2026

www.gov.uk/government/news/cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease-confirmed-in-kent

Kelta · 16/03/2026 10:30

Yes. You have to get it done privately at boots or Superdrug. It costs £220