MenB: What are the signs of the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK and the campaign to expand the vaccination programme

With World Meningitis Day taking place on 5 October, it’s a great opportunity to consider what we do know about MenB, what we need to know about MenB and how the charity Meningitis Now is campaigning to develop greater protection for those individuals specifically at risk. 

What is MenB?

Meningococcal group B (MenB) disease is a severe bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B. 

Key symptoms are: 

• Fever: A high temperature is a common early sign. 
• Severe headache: This can be a prominent symptom, especially in older children and adults. 
• Stiff neck: Difficulty or pain when bending the neck forward. 
• Rash: A rash that doesn't fade when a glass is pressed against it is a serious sign, but it may not appear in all cases or early on. 
• Other symptoms: Can include vomiting, sensitivity to light, drowsiness, confusion, and seizures. 
• Symptoms in babies: Babies may present with irritability, poor feeding, a tense or bulging soft spot on their head, and a high-pitched cry. 

MenB can lead to life-threatening conditions such as:

• Meningitis – an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
• Septicaemia – blood poisoning.
• Sepsis – a systemic response to infection that can result in organ failure and death. 

MenB is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK, particularly affecting infants and young children. The disease progresses rapidly - often within hours - and even with prompt treatment, one in 10 cases can be fatal. Survivors may suffer long-term complications including limb loss, hearing loss, or brain damage.

What to do if you suspect MenB

• Dial NHS 111 (England, Scotland and Wales). 
• If based in Northern Ireland, contact the GP out of hours service
• In an emergency go straight to your nearest A&E or call emergency services on 999 in the UK 
• Describe the symptoms carefully and say that you think it could be meningitis
• If you have had medical advice and are still worried, get medical help again as early diagnosis can be difficult

MenB vaccination programme

The MenB vaccine, introduced into the UK’s NHS childhood immunisation schedule in 2015, is administered in three doses:

• At eight weeks
• At 12 weeks
• At one- year-old

According to the UK Health Security Agency, the vaccine has significantly reduced MenB disease among vaccinated children under three-years-old. 

The petition to expand the vaccination programme?

A petition, led by Meningitis Now, calls for broader access to the MenB vaccine, particularly for teenagers and young adults aged 15-24 - an age group currently unprotected under the NHS schedule.

Key Points of the Petition are:

• Booster Programme for Adolescents (from 2030): Those first vaccinated as infants in 2015 will be turning 15 by 2030. Since long-term protection is uncertain, a booster is essential to maintain immunity during another high-risk stage.
• High Street Availability at Fair Prices: The vaccine is available privately but costs around £220 for two doses, making it inaccessible for many. The petition advocates for more affordable pricing.
• Cost-Effectiveness Review and Herd Immunity Study: The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation previously deemed the vaccine not cost-effective for teens. Formal results from a carriage study (herd immunity study) are currently awaited.

Meningitis and medical negligence

Medical negligence claims related to meningitis arise when a healthcare professional's actions or inactions fall below the accepted standard of care, causing avoidable harm to the patient.

Medical negligence claims related to MenB often arise from a failure to diagnose or properly treat the infection.

Examples could include a misrecognition of early symptoms, a delay in administering antibiotics or referring to hospital, as well as a failure to monitor a patient.

Meningitis is an extremely serious condition. If medical professionals fail to recognise symptoms quickly, the effects can be life-changing and in some cases, they can prove fatal. 

Legal advice available

If you or a loved one have experienced delays or received inadequate medical treatment that resulted in injury, you are able to seek advice from specialist solicitors. My team and I are specialist solicitors who can guide you through your options and assess whether you have grounds to pursue a claim for compensation.

A legal claim can help uncover answers and, importantly, provide access to specialist rehabilitation, therapies, or support services - whether to manage the impact of a condition or to help cope with the loss of a loved one.

We also recognise that those affected by meningitis often need emotional support beyond the legal process. That’s why we work closely with our charity partner, Meningitis Now, which offers dedicated help and resources to support individuals and families through these difficult times. 

Conclusion 

The impact of MenB is both severe and far-reaching. Expanding the current vaccination programme isn't only a logical step but a necessary one to enhance public protection - particularly for teenagers and young adults who remain vulnerable. More information about this vital cause can be found on the Meningitis Now website. 

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people and families affected by meningitis at our dedicated meningitis claims section.