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Meningococcal Cases Rise to 378 in UK, Prompting Vaccination Push

Health officials urge catch‑up jabs to counter falling uptake that leaves infants, teenagers and students more exposed.

Overview

  • UKHSA reported 378 invasive meningococcal disease cases in 2024–25, up from 340 the previous year.
  • MenB accounted for 82.6% of cases (313), including 90% of infant infections and all 65 cases among 15 to 19-year-olds.
  • MenW cases rose to 43 with some linked to travel to Saudi Arabia, though numbers remain far below the 2015–16 peak.
  • MenB uptake at 12 months declined to 91.4% and MenACWY coverage in Year 9 reached 72.1%, still below the pre‑pandemic 88.0%.
  • NHS offers MenB at 8 and 16 weeks and at one year and MenACWY in Year 9 with catch‑up to under‑25s, and officials urge urgent care for symptoms since vaccines do not cover all strains.