What happened: Teenagers and students in the UK have not been routinely vaccinated against the MenB strain causing recent cases in Kent. This has raised questions about whether the vaccine should be offered to older age groups.
Why it matters:
- Teenagers remain vulnerable to MenB infection during outbreaks without vaccination.
- Decisions on vaccine rollout affect public health strategies and resource allocation.
MNN Take: The MenB vaccine is currently offered mainly to infants in the UK, with older teens not routinely included. Health authorities assess vaccination policies based on risk, vaccine effectiveness, and outbreak patterns.
Sources: BBC Health (Lifestyle)