UK Vaccine Advisers Reverse Course, Back Meningitis B Jabs for Teens on NHS

On 16 July 2026, the JCVI — the panel guiding UK vaccine policy — recommended teenagers receive meningitis B jabs on the NHS, reversing its March stance. The shift follows Kent outbreaks that killed two teenagers, including 18-year-old Juliette Kenny. Boosters, two-dose catch-ups, and a Year 13 and under-25 university entrant programme starting 20 July now await government approval, with each UK nation funding separately.