Dr Amir shares explains how to get vaccinated against meningitis B

A doctor has explained how to get vaccinated against a particular type of meningitis linked to a deadly outbreak in Kent. Two people have died, and at least 11 others are known to be seriously ill as a result of the infection in the Canterbury area.

Meningitis is an infection that affects the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meninges). Although it can affect anyone, it’s most prevalent among babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.

Without swift treatment, meningitis can prove extremely serious. It can trigger life-threatening sepsis and lead to permanent damage to the brain or nerves. Health officials have confirmed the current outbreak in Kent has been caused by meningitis B, also known as MenB, a type of bacterial meningitis.

Bacterial meningitis is typically more serious than viral meningitis and can prove fatal in one in 10 cases. If left untreated, it can also result in a number of serious long-term complications such as hearing loss or vision loss, epilepsy, and the need to amputate affected limbs.

However, vaccines to protect specifically against MenB are not offered on the NHS to older age groups. They are currently given to babies aged eight weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at one year.

As highlighted by Doctor Amir Khan, this means their effectiveness weakens as a child becomes a teenager. Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Dr Amir explained more about meningitis vaccines.

He said: “Right, so it’s important to remember that babies under one do get the meningitis B vaccine. And that is because meningitis B is most common and most dangerous in young children, children under one.

“So, that is why they get it at that point. And that does give them some protection over the course of a number of years until they’re at adolescence and it does start to wane as you say there.”

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Teenagers are currently offered what’s known as the MenACWY vaccine. Dr Amir said: “Children around age 14 and then, just before university, get the meningitis ACWY, those letters refer to the strain of bacteria that can cause the meningitis.

“Now the reason why it’s [MenB vaccine] not offered to older children so teenagers, and young adults is because A, yes cost effectiveness is important, but the meningitis ACWY can actually live in people’s throats and the vaccine, the vaccine against ACWY, not only protects that person but it reduces the number of bacteria in their throats that reduces the risk of them passing it on, so it has a wider population effect.

“Meningitis B vaccine doesn’t do that. It protects the individual, but it doesn’t necessarily protect the wider population.

“So the decision to not give it to older children is yes, absolutely cost and effectiveness in terms of that, but also the risk to the wider population, how it reduces that risk.”

How to get the MenB vaccine

The only way to therefore get the MenB vaccine, except for babies, is privately. Dr Amir said: “Should somebody want it now, you would have to get it privately. If you’re at high risk, you might be able to have a conversation with the NHS but very, very likely it has to go through a private means.”

High street pharmacies Superdrug and Boots advertise MenB vaccine services on their websites. One dose is priced at £110, while a full course of two jabs is priced at £220.

Symptoms of meningitis

According to the NHS website, symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:

• A high temperature (fever)
• Being sick
• A headache
• A rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
• A stiff neck
• A dislike of bright lights
• Drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• Seizures (fits)

The NHS warns: “These symptoms can appear in any order. You do not always get all the symptoms.”

When to get medical help

You should call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E “immediately” if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis. The NHS says: “Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.

“Call NHS 111 for advice if you’re not sure if it’s anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis. If you’ve had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again.”