Answer

While it is good news that Angela’s childhood immunisations are up to date, there have been some significant changes over the years which mean she may not be as well protected as she thinks as she sets off for university.

The MenACWY vaccine replaced the MenC vaccine in 2015 in response to a national outbreak of MenW. Instead of just protecting against Meningitis C, it also protects against MenA, W and Y. Children started to be routinely vaccinated with MenACWY from 2015, and Vicky would have received this as part of the routine child immunisation programme when she was around 14. Nevertheless, she should still be advised to check her vaccination records. While the meningitis B vaccine was also introduced in 2015, it was only administered to infants (at eight weeks, 12 weeks and one year).

The recent outbreak of meningitis B in Kent has highlighted that people who are currently aged over 11 are generally not vaccinated against MenB. As yet, there is no catch-up programme planned, but it is possible that this may change in the future. In the meantime, Angela might like to consider a private vaccination at the pharmacy. 

Both the MenACWY and MenB vaccination programmes have been incredibly successful at reducing the incidence of meningococcal disease, and the number of associated deaths. However, MenB still accounts for the vast majority of meningitis cases. Latest data shows that MenB accounted for 82.6 per cent of all cases in England in 2024/5 (313 of 378), followed by MenW (11.3 per cent), MenY (3.4 per cent) and MenC (0.8 per cent).

University or college students up to 25 years of age who missed the MenACWY vaccine can get it free from their GP practice. Just a single dose is required, ideally administered at least two weeks before starting their course.