Vaccines and meningitis – what we knowpublished at 11:51 GMT

11:51 GMT

Malu Cursino
Live reporter

Last October, the government warned that, external vaccinations offer “crucial protection” against meningitis. The remarks were made as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recorded an increase in meningitis cases, with MenB accounting for 82.6% (313 of 378) of all cases.

Most jabs are offered freely on the NHS to newborns and infants, and children should receive most vaccines as part of the NHS vaccination schedule.

The specific strain of meningitis responsible for the Kent outbreak has not yet been identified.

Meningitis Now, a UK charity that specialises on the disease and its impact, explains that jabs against MenB are not available on the NHS for teenagers and young adults. “Currently the vaccine is only available privately through high-street and supermarket pharmacies,” the charity explains.

The disease can affect anyone, but it is most common among babies, teenagers and young adults, the charity adds.

Here’s what the NHS says about jabs available, and who can get vaccinated:

MenB vaccine: offers protection against meningococcal group B bacteria, which are a common cause of meningitis in young children in the UK. This vaccine is recommended for babies aged eight weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at one year

6-in-1 vaccine: offers protection against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Hib are a type of bacteria that can cause meningitis. The vaccine is given on four separate occasions – when children are eight weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and 18 months old

Pneumococcal vaccine: offers protection against serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including meningitis. Babies are offered the jab at 16 weeks, with a booster at one year of age. Adults aged 65 or over are offered a single dose

MMRV vaccine: offers protection against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. Meningitis can sometimes happen as a complication of one of these infections. The vaccine is offered to children in two doses, when they’re one year old and 18 months old

MenACWY vaccine: offers protection against four types of bacteria that can cause meningitis. It’s offered to teenagers aged 14 years old and those aged 25 and under who have never had a vaccine containing MenC