Meningitis Cases Rise in UK, Sparking Urgent Vaccination Appeal
London, UK – A concerning increase in meningitis cases across the United Kingdom is prompting health officials to urge parents and young adults to ensure they are up-to-date on vaccinations. New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals 378 cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) - the infection that causes meningitis – where reported in 2024/25,a rise from the 340 cases recorded in the previous year.
The surge in cases,particularly among children and young people,coincides with a decline in vaccination rates,leaving a vulnerable population susceptible to this serious bacterial infection. Public health minister Ashley Dalton emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, “I urge all parents and guardians to ensure their children are up to date with their meningitis vaccinations, as well as those eligible.”
Most cases were linked to the MenB strain, accounting for 90% of infections in babies and all 65 cases among individuals aged 15 to 19. The MenB strain also represented the highest proportion of cases in those over 25.
Two vaccines are currently available: the MenB vaccine, administered to infants at eight weeks, 16 weeks, and one year; and the MenACWY vaccine, typically offered to teenagers in Year 9, which protects against four strains of the disease. All young people remain eligible for the MenACWY jab until their 25th birthday.
Recent quarterly figures indicate a 0.3% decrease in MenB vaccine uptake among one-year-olds, reaching 91.4%. Coverage of the MenACWY vaccine among 13 to 14-year-olds stands at 72.1%, an betterment from 2022/23 but still below pre-pandemic levels.
Health officials are particularly urging university students to protect themselves against the disease. Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia include a high temperature, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, mottled skin, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and a rash.
