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UKHSA Reports 378 Meningococcal Cases as Officials Urge Vaccination

Lagging vaccine uptake underpins the renewed push to protect infants and students.

Overview

  • Official data for 2024–25 show 378 invasive meningococcal disease cases in the UK, up from 340 the previous year.
  • MenB accounted for 82.6% of cases (313), including 90% of infections in infants and all 65 cases among 15 to 19-year-olds.
  • MenW cases rose to 43 from 17, with some linked to travel to Saudi Arabia, yet remain far below the 2015–16 peak of 218.
  • Infant MenB uptake at 12 months slipped to 91.4%, while MenACWY coverage in Year 9 reached 72.1%, still below pre-pandemic levels.
  • UKHSA, NHS England and ministers urged catch-up vaccinations for under-25s—particularly students—and stressed immediate medical attention for meningitis and septicaemia symptoms.