Meningitis 2026: Your Vaccine Questions Answered

June 2026

Following recent reports of additional cases of meningococcal disease in parts of England, including London and the South East, we have updated this article to answer some of the questions we are receiving from patients and parents about meningitis and MenB vaccination.

While these cases have understandably attracted media attention, it is important to remember that meningococcal disease remains uncommon. However, because it can progress rapidly and be particularly serious in children, teenagers and young adults, many families are taking the opportunity to review their vaccination status and understand the protection available.

At Sloane Street Surgery (both our London and Marlborough practices), we currently have Bexsero (MenB vaccine) available for private vaccination. If you would like advice on whether vaccination may be appropriate for you or your child, our team would be happy to help.

What is the current meningitis situation in the UK?

There have been a number of recent reports of invasive meningococcal disease across parts of the UK, including cases caused by MenB, the most common strain of meningococcal bacteria in this country. While these cases remain relatively uncommon, they have understandably raised concerns amongst parents, schools and universities.

Many of the reported cases have occurred in teenagers and young adults, where close social contact can increase transmission. Meningococcal bacteria are often carried harmlessly in the back of the throat, particularly in adolescents, without causing illness. In rare cases, however, the bacteria can invade the bloodstream and central nervous system, leading to serious infection such as meningitis or septicaemia.

Although meningococcal disease remains rare, it can progress rapidly, which is why awareness of symptoms and vaccination status remains important. The illness can be severe, with around 1 in 10 cases proving fatal, and it may progress very rapidly, sometimes within 24 hours.

How is meningitis spread?

Transmission requires close, prolonged contact, such as coughing, kissing, or sharing drinks, vapes and utensils. This explains why outbreaks are more commonly seen in households, schools, and universities.

What are the symptoms of meningitis?

Meningitis can initially resemble a viral illness but may deteriorate quickly. Symptoms of concern include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, or a rash that does not fade under pressure. If concerned, please seek urgent medical attention.

When was the MenB vaccine introduced in the UK?

The MenB vaccine (Bexsero) was licensed in 2013 and introduced into the NHS childhood vaccination programme in September 2015. It is routinely offered to infants, who are at the highest risk.

Which children were included in the NHS programme?

Children born on or after 1 July 2015 were eligible and should have received three doses—at 8 weeks, 16 weeks (or more recently 12 weeks), and a booster at 12-13 months. Children born before this date were not included, which explains why many older children and teenagers remain unvaccinated.

Which children may have had access privately?

Because the vaccine was available privately from 2013, there was a two-year period before NHS rollout. At The Sloane Street Surgery, we offered MenB vaccination from the outset. This means that children born from 2013 onwards may have received it as infants, and some older children may also have been vaccinated if families opted for this. This means a significant proportion of our patients are already protected across a wider age range than the NHS programme alone.

Why are teenagers particularly affected in this outbreak?

Teenagers and young adults have higher carriage rates of meningococcal bacteria (up to around 10%), combined with social behaviours that increase transmission. As most were not eligible for the NHS programme, many currently have little or no protection, which explains the pattern seen in this outbreak.

Do teenagers need a MenB booster?

There is increasing evidence that immunity may wane over time, and growing discussion around the role of a teenage booster. Although this is not currently part of the NHS schedule, we are happy to offer this privately at the surgery for families who would like additional protection. This was discussed further in our January newsletter article by Dr Hunt, “UK Vaccine Schedule Updates for 2026: Children and Adults.”

Do adults need the MenB vaccine?

For most healthy adults, the vaccine is not routinely required.

However, it may be appropriate for:

• Individuals with certain medical conditions (e.g. asplenia or complement disorders)
• Those with occupational exposure
• Individuals identified as close contacts of confirmed cases

We are happy to advise on an individual basis.

Who should be prioritised for vaccination?

Based on current evidence, priority groups include:

• Infants and young children (<5 years)
• Teenagers and young adults, particularly if unvaccinated
• Those in close-contact environments (schools, universities, shared accommodation)
• Individuals with underlying immune or spleen-related conditions
• Close contacts of confirmed cases

How can I check if my child is vaccinated?

You can check your child’s red book (Personal Child Health Record) for entries labelled ‘MenB’ or ‘Bexsero’. It is important to note how many doses have been recorded and the dates they were given. Children on the NHS schedule should have three doses, whereas those vaccinated privately often have two, sometimes with a later booster. If you are unsure, we are very happy to review this for you.

Is the meningitis vaccine currently available?

Yes. We currently have Bexsero (MenB) vaccine available at both Sloane Street Surgery and Sloane Street Surgery Marlborough.

If you are unsure whether you or your child has been vaccinated, or would like to discuss catch-up vaccination or a teenage booster, please contact the practice. Our team can review your vaccination history, answer any questions and arrange vaccination where appropriate.

What is the MenACWY vaccine, and does my child need it?

The MenACWY vaccine protects against Meningococcal Groups A, C, W, and Y, which are less common than MenB but can still cause serious illness.

It is recommended for teenagers aged 14-18 years (routine NHS programme), first-year university students living in halls, certain high-risk individuals such as those with asplenia or complement deficiencies, and travellers to countries where MenACWY is more common. Typically, it is given as a single dose in adolescence and provides highly effective protection.

While outbreaks are rare in the UK, infection can be rapid and severe, and vaccination complements MenB to offer broader protection against meningococcal disease. It is offered routinely via the NHS for eligible teenagers and is also available privately for catch-up or those outside NHS criteria.

What should I do now?

We would recommend that parents take a moment to review their child’s vaccination record in the red book and check how many MenB doses have been received. If your child was born after July 2015, they should usually have had three doses; older children may have had two doses if vaccinated privately.

If there is any uncertainty, or if your child has not been vaccinated and falls into a higher-risk group—particularly teenagers—we would be very happy to advise. We can also offer private vaccination, including teenage boosters, once stock becomes available.

As always, remain vigilant for symptoms and seek urgent care if your child appears unwell.

If you would like us to review your or your child’s vaccination record or discuss vaccination options, please do get in touch with our reception team on 0207 245 9333.