From August 2015, all 17 and 18 year olds in school year 13 will be offered the MenACWY vaccine which protects against the A, C, W and Y strains of meningococcal disease. The vaccine is particularly important for those who are heading off to university, as they are at greater risk. The vaccine will also be available to older students aged 19 to 25 who are starting university this year.
From spring 2016 there will also be a school-based vaccination programme for MenACWY, which will replace the MenC-only vaccine that is currently offered to school Years 9 and 10. There will also be a catch-up programme for those in Year 11.
From September 2016, babies aged 2 months will be offered the MenB vaccine, which protects against meningococcal B disease, followed by a second dose at 4 months and a booster at 12 months There will also be a limited catch-up programme for infants who are due their 3 and 4 month vaccinations in September, to protect them when they are most at risk.
England is the first country in the world to begin national and publicly funded Men B immunisation that is offered alongside other routine childhood vaccines.Joint letters for both vaccination programmes from Public Health England and NHS England provide guidance on vaccine eligibility; clinical use; ordering; data collection and funding – see links.
The Green Book has also been updated with details of these two vaccination programmes.