UK Plans Free Meningitis B Vaccine for One Million Young Adults

—The UK government unveiled a plan to offer the meningitis B vaccine to approximately one million young people, extending coverage beyond the infant and toddler program that has been in place since 2015. The expansion targets teenagers and young adults, who are at elevated risk of bacterial meningitis outbreaks, particularly in university settings. Meningitis B can kill within 24 hours and leave survivors with permanent disabilities including limb amputations. Health officials said the rollout would be phased over several years given supply and delivery logistics. The initiative follows advocacy from families affected by meningitis and has broad political support.