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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a fresh alert as new statistics reveal a surge in cases of a condition that can "take hold in a matter of hours". Youngsters and young people, especially university students, continue to face risks from meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, which, though uncommon, can prove catastrophic, life-altering and occasionally fatal, the UKHSA warned. Recent UKHSA figures released on Friday revealed that 378 cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) were confirmed in 2024-25. The most recent statistics published today by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that Meningitis B made up 82.6% (313 of 378) of all cases, with meningococcal group W, referred to as MenW, following at (43, 11.3%), MenY (13, 3.4%), and MenC (0.8%). IMD cases plummeted dramatically throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but have subsequently risen, the UKHSA reported. While IMD cases stay lower generally, MenB case figures were elevated last year compared to 2023/2024. Vaccination rates for babies and teenagers have fallen, making more youngsters susceptible to avoidable illness. The most recent quarterly uptake statistics at 12 months of age for MenB vaccine demonstrated it had dropped by 0.3 percentage points to 91.4%. MenACWY vaccine coverage for year 9 pupils during the 2023/24 academic year stood at 72.1%. This represents 3.5 percentage points higher than in 2022/2023 but stays below coverage in year 9 pupils prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was 88.0% in 2018/2019. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stated that two vaccines provide protection against the primary causes of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. The MenB vaccine, part of the standard NHS vaccination schedule, is given to infants at eight weeks, 16 weeks and one year of age. The MenACWY vaccine, which safeguards teenagers against four strains, is typically administered in school Year 9 (aged 13-14). The agency emphasised the importance of parents ensuring their infants and toddlers are up to date with the vital MenB vaccine as disease rates rise. If any vaccinations have been missed, they advise contacting your GP surgery to arrange them. Teenagers are offered the MenACWY vaccines when they are 13-14 years old, and anyone under 25 who missed out should catch up as soon as possible, particularly if they are attending university or another higher education institution. Students can be particularly susceptible to IMD due to the close mixing of young people. The UKHSA said: "The MenACWY programme has been highly effective since its introduction in 2015. Cases of MenW rose to 43 in 2024-25 - an increase from 17 cases recorded the previous year, with cases associated with travel to Saudi Arabia. However, cases remain well below the 218 cases reported in 2015-16, the year that MenACWY vaccine was introduced. "MenB caused 313 IMD cases last year, affecting mainly children and young people. It was responsible for 90% of cases in infants (35 of 39) and all 65 cases in 15 to 19-year-olds. It also contributed to the highest proportion of cases in individuals aged 25 years and over (70%, 119 of 169)." Dr Helen Campbell, the lead scientist at UKHSA, said: "The fight against meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia continues with MenB still causing most of the cases last year. That's why it's crucial parents remain alert to symptoms and ensure their children are protected with the infant MenB vaccinations. Teenagers should get their MenACWY in school when offered. "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 to university or colleges where their risk of this often-devastating disease is much higher. For students especially, it's vital they know the key symptoms and keep a close watch on any friends who suddenly get sick and, if concerned, seek medical help immediately." Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton said: "These latest figures are a stark reminder meningitis remains a serious threat to children and young adults. I urge all parents and guardians to ensure their children are up to date with their meningitis vaccinations as well as those eligible. "The NHS vaccine programme offers crucial protection against this devastating disease, which can take hold in a matter of hours. A simple vaccination could save a life or prevent life-changing complications." Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, said: "Too many children and young people are still not fully vaccinated against meningitis – a debilitating disease that can strike quickly and cause life-changing health complications and be deadly if not treated promptly. Vaccines to protect against this are offered free as part of the NHS routine immunisation programme and I would urge all parents to take up the offer of a jab for their children or arrange an appointment with your GP practice if your child has missed one." The UKHSA explained that while the vaccines provide protection against most meningococcal disease, they don't safeguard against all strains, which is why it's crucial for everyone to recognise the warning signs of meningitis and septicaemia. Get medical help immediately as swift identification and treatment can save lives. These may appear in any sequence and include
