Priorotise Meningitis B vaccines for young adults
The Issue
Our daughter started university two years ago at the age of 19. Before she embarked on this new journey, she received private Meningitis B vaccinations since she missed this crucial protective measure during her childhood vaccination schedule. Sadly, many young adults are not as fortunate, either due to lack of awareness or because this vaccine isn't included in the standard regimen for children and young adults who missed the initial rollout.
Meningitis B is a serious and potentially fatal disease. The UK, recognizing the severity of this disease, introduced the MenB vaccine for infants in 2015. However, there remains a gap in coverage, especially for teenagers and young adults who did not receive the vaccine in childhood. This leaves a significant portion of our population vulnerable to an illness that can be prevented.
Statistics show that young people, particularly those living in close quarters like university students, are at a higher risk. According to Public Health England, there are approximately 1,700 cases of meningococcal disease annually in the UK, and adolescents and young adults are among the most affected age groups.
By prioritizing MenB vaccines for those who missed them during their childhood, we can mitigate the risk of outbreaks and protect the health of our younger generation. This doesn't just mean safeguarding individual lives, but also reducing the healthcare strain caused by treating this preventable disease.
We urge the relevant health authorities to integrate the MenB vaccine into the existing vaccination schedule for older children and young adults, thereby ensuring comprehensive protection against all forms of meningitis. By doing so, we can take a proactive step in public health, ensuring that all young adults can step into their futures without the looming threat of a preventable disease.
Join us in calling for action to protect our young people. Sign this petition today to advocate for the prioritization and inclusion of MenB vaccines within the childhood and young adult vaccination programme. Your support is crucial in ensuring a safer future for everyone.
Meningitis B is a serious and potentially fatal disease. The UK, recognizing the severity of this disease, introduced the MenB vaccine for infants in 2015. However, there remains a gap in coverage, especially for teenagers and young adults who did not receive the vaccine in childhood. This leaves a significant portion of our population vulnerable to an illness that can be prevented.
Statistics show that young people, particularly those living in close quarters like university students, are at a higher risk. According to Public Health England, there are approximately 1,700 cases of meningococcal disease annually in the UK, and adolescents and young adults are among the most affected age groups.
By prioritizing MenB vaccines for those who missed them during their childhood, we can mitigate the risk of outbreaks and protect the health of our younger generation. This doesn't just mean safeguarding individual lives, but also reducing the healthcare strain caused by treating this preventable disease.
We urge the relevant health authorities to integrate the MenB vaccine into the existing vaccination schedule for older children and young adults, thereby ensuring comprehensive protection against all forms of meningitis. By doing so, we can take a proactive step in public health, ensuring that all young adults can step into their futures without the looming threat of a preventable disease.
Join us in calling for action to protect our young people. Sign this petition today to advocate for the prioritization and inclusion of MenB vaccines within the childhood and young adult vaccination programme. Your support is crucial in ensuring a safer future for everyone.
Elizabeth MacLeodPetition Starter
593
The Issue
Our daughter started university two years ago at the age of 19. Before she embarked on this new journey, she received private Meningitis B vaccinations since she missed this crucial protective measure during her childhood vaccination schedule. Sadly, many young adults are not as fortunate, either due to lack of awareness or because this vaccine isn't included in the standard regimen for children and young adults who missed the initial rollout.
Meningitis B is a serious and potentially fatal disease. The UK, recognizing the severity of this disease, introduced the MenB vaccine for infants in 2015. However, there remains a gap in coverage, especially for teenagers and young adults who did not receive the vaccine in childhood. This leaves a significant portion of our population vulnerable to an illness that can be prevented.
Statistics show that young people, particularly those living in close quarters like university students, are at a higher risk. According to Public Health England, there are approximately 1,700 cases of meningococcal disease annually in the UK, and adolescents and young adults are among the most affected age groups.
By prioritizing MenB vaccines for those who missed them during their childhood, we can mitigate the risk of outbreaks and protect the health of our younger generation. This doesn't just mean safeguarding individual lives, but also reducing the healthcare strain caused by treating this preventable disease.
We urge the relevant health authorities to integrate the MenB vaccine into the existing vaccination schedule for older children and young adults, thereby ensuring comprehensive protection against all forms of meningitis. By doing so, we can take a proactive step in public health, ensuring that all young adults can step into their futures without the looming threat of a preventable disease.
Join us in calling for action to protect our young people. Sign this petition today to advocate for the prioritization and inclusion of MenB vaccines within the childhood and young adult vaccination programme. Your support is crucial in ensuring a safer future for everyone.
Meningitis B is a serious and potentially fatal disease. The UK, recognizing the severity of this disease, introduced the MenB vaccine for infants in 2015. However, there remains a gap in coverage, especially for teenagers and young adults who did not receive the vaccine in childhood. This leaves a significant portion of our population vulnerable to an illness that can be prevented.
Statistics show that young people, particularly those living in close quarters like university students, are at a higher risk. According to Public Health England, there are approximately 1,700 cases of meningococcal disease annually in the UK, and adolescents and young adults are among the most affected age groups.
By prioritizing MenB vaccines for those who missed them during their childhood, we can mitigate the risk of outbreaks and protect the health of our younger generation. This doesn't just mean safeguarding individual lives, but also reducing the healthcare strain caused by treating this preventable disease.
We urge the relevant health authorities to integrate the MenB vaccine into the existing vaccination schedule for older children and young adults, thereby ensuring comprehensive protection against all forms of meningitis. By doing so, we can take a proactive step in public health, ensuring that all young adults can step into their futures without the looming threat of a preventable disease.
Join us in calling for action to protect our young people. Sign this petition today to advocate for the prioritization and inclusion of MenB vaccines within the childhood and young adult vaccination programme. Your support is crucial in ensuring a safer future for everyone.
Elizabeth MacLeodPetition Starter
183 people signed this week
593
The Decision Makers
UK Government Department for Health and Social Care
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Petition created on 17 March 2026