UKHSA reports rise in meningococcal disease and urges vaccination catch-up

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported 378 confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) – a major cause of meningitis and septicaemia – during 2024-25, with the majority caused by MenB.

The latest figures are consistent with the continued increase following the sharp decline observed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

MenB accounted for 82.6% of all cases (313 of 378) in 2024-25, followed by MenW (11.3%), MenY (3.4%) and MenC (0.8%).

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Vaccination uptake has declined across both infant and adolescent cohorts. The latest quarterly uptake at 12 months of age for the MenB vaccine fell by 0.3 percentage points to 91.4%.

MenACWY vaccine coverage for Year 9 pupils in the 2023/24 academic year was 72.1% – up 3.5 percentage points from the previous year but below the 88% recorded in 2018/19.

UKHSA has highlighted that all individuals remain eligible for the MenACWY vaccine until their 25th birthday.

Dr Helen Campbell, lead scientist at UKHSA, said: ‘If [someone has] 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.’

MenB caused 90% of IMD cases in infants (35 of 39) and all 65 cases in 15- to 19-year-olds last year. It was also responsible for 70% of IMD cases in adults aged 25 and over (119 of 169).

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MenW cases increased to 43 in 2024-25, up from 17 the previous year, with some cases associated with travel to Saudi Arabia.

However, the UKHSA said cases remained well below the 218 cases reported in 2015-16 – which was the year the MenACWY vaccine was introduced.

Public health minister Ashley Dalton said: ‘These latest figures are a stark reminder meningitis remains a serious threat to children and young adults. A simple vaccination could save a life or prevent life-changing complications.’

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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.’

A version of this article was first published by our sister title, The Pharmacist.