Cases of meningococcal group C are down by 99% across the UK, according to data from UKHSA.
Between July 2023 and June 2024, just three cases of MenC were reported. Other groups, such as A, W and Y remain low, but experts are concerned about meningococcal Group B (MenB) due to decline in childhood vaccine uptake, which includes the MenB vaccine.
Last year, 341 total cases of meningococcal disease were confirmed, with MenB responsible for 88% of all cases in England.
‘The success of the MenC vaccination programme, which was introduced in 1999, has clearly made a profound difference in protecting children, young people, and adults from this life-threatening illness,’ said Meningitis Now Chief Executive Dr Tom Nutt. ‘MenB remains the most prevalent strain of meningococcal disease [reinforcing] the need for continued vigilance, additional research to inform vaccine strategies and support for all families affected by the disease.’
In 2022-23, 91% of children in England received two doses of the MenB vaccine, a decline of 0.5% from the previous year. The MenB booster coverage was 87.6%, down 0.4% from 2021-22.
Meanwhile, vaccination rates for young people in year nine and 10 were 68.6% and 73.4%, respectively, in the 2022-23 school year.
Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, Dr Shamez Ladhani said:
‘Thanks to the power of vaccines, we are now on the brink of defeating meningococcal C disease in the UK, but the fight against these deadly diseases that cause meningitis and septicaemia continues […] That’s why it is so important that parents protect their children by ensuring they get their infant MenB vaccinations and teenagers get their MenACWY in school.
‘All teenagers remain eligible for the MenACWY jab until their 25th birthday. If they have missed out, it is vital they get vaccinated, particularly if they are going on to university or colleges where their risk of severe disease, and sadly even death, from meningitis or septicaemia is much higher.’
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