BBC doctor shares meningitis warning even if you have had the vaccine

BBC doctor shares meningitis warning even if you have had the vaccine BBC doctor Dr Ranj shared the symptoms to look out for as he explained details about the vaccine A BBC doctor has issued a warning to Brits about meningitis as the condition rises to prominence once again. Dr Ranj informed viewers that people can still contract meningitis even if they have received the vaccine - especially if they are young and were vaccinated several years ago. He provided the guidance while explaining the symptoms and identifying which age groups face the greatest risk. He also emphasised that people who have had it before can still be at risk. And he urged people to make sure their vaccines are up to date. Speaking on Thursday, 3 September, he told BBC Morning Live viewers: "So we have lots of vaccines in the UK schedule that protect you against various different kinds of meningitis, both bacterial and viral. So when you're a baby, let's talk about meningococcus for instance. "When you're a baby, you will have vaccinations against meningitis type A, B and C. When you get become a teenager, you're topped up with another one, meningitis ACWY, which is another vaccine, and that is usually offered in about year 9 or 10. "Anyone who's missed that vaccine can catch up until their 25th birthday by asking their GP. Now, the meningitis B vaccine that was a recent addition to that schedule - that immunity only lasts for about sort of anything between 5 to 9 years. "So, you've got to remember that when you're hitting your sort of late teens and early adulthood, you're not going to be protected against that any more. So, meningitis B has now become one of the most common types of bacterial meningitis that you can get. "So, that's why we always remind people that even if you've had your vaccines, you may not be fully protected, especially in later stages of life." He went on to say: "So, vaccines offer really good protection against a lot of causes of meningitis, but there are lots of germs that can do it. "We don't have vaccines against all of them. And as I said, as you get older, your immunity can wane. You can also get meningitis more than once. So even if you've had it before, doesn't mean you won't get it again." Meningitis and how old you are Government guidance published on gov.uk this year states that the infections responsible for meningitis are heavily dependent on age. Infants under 1 year of age are at greatest risk from infection by meningococcus bacteria, and of developing invasive meningococcal disease. Higher rates of meningococcus infection and invasive meningococcal disease are also seen in teenagers and young adults. The gov.uk guidance states: "Adults over the age of 65 are at an increased risk of certain types of meningitis, such as pneumococcal meningitis." Vaccination is highlighted as one of the safest and most reliable methods of guarding against the primary bacterial and viral infections that can trigger meningitis. Like all vaccines approved for use in the UK, meningitis vaccines have gone through a rigorous development process to test their safety, quality and effectiveness, it stresses. It notes: "The MHRA continuously monitors and reviews suspected adverse drug reactions through the Yellow Card scheme to ensure all vaccines remain safe throughout their use. Millions of doses of meningitis vaccines are safely given each year as part of the routine NHS vaccination programme." The NHS website says that symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include: - a severe headache that is getting worse. - spots or a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin). - a stiff neck. - joint and muscle pain. - being very sleepy or difficult to wake. - a high temperature (fever). - very cold hands and feet. - eye pain when looking at bright lights. - confusion. - vomiting (being sick) and diarrhoea. - seizures (fits). Babies and children under 5 years may also: - have a high-pitched, unusual cry. - not want to feed. - have a stiff body or be floppy or unresponsive. - have a bulging soft spot on the top of their head. Some of the early symptoms of meningitis can resemble those of flu, a stomach bug or a hangover. Why is meningitis at university in the news at this time of year? The doctor was questioned about why reports of meningitis at UK universities tend to emerge at this time of year, as students arrive for the new term. He said: "So, we have this conversation roughly about this time every year with students going to university and things.Why is that? Well, the bacteria, some of the bacteria, the meningococcus, what I've just mentioned that can cause bacterial meningitis. "They naturally live in the backs of our throats and our noses and they don't cause anyone any harm. They just kind of sit there. Now, one in four teenagers and young adults will carry that in the back of their throats, but in the general population, it's about one in 10. "So, you're much more likely as a young person to be carrying that bacteria. And that bacteria can spread from person to person through close contact. "So, if you've just gone to uni, you've got a lot of people in a small space. They're all living together. They're all up in each other's spaces and faces, you know, sharing things like, you know, utensils, things like vapes and things like that. "These things can spread through that close sort of body fluid contact. And that's why we're especially vigilant when it comes to things like first year university students and we're encouraging them to make sure that their vaccines and things are up to date." New meningitis update issued by NHS The doctor's advice comes as the NHS published a new update on meningitis. The health service said on Thursday that almost a quarter of a million young people have had potentially life-saving protection against MenB (meningococcal B), as the NHS urges them to "get fully shielded" with a vital second dose before university courses begin later this month. Figures released on Thursday reveal that since the vaccination programme launched on 20 July 2026, 246,089 doses of the MenB vaccine have been administered to young people (as of 31 August 2026). With 2 doses required for full protection, NHS vaccination leads are urging young people to book their second jab without delay, as freshers weeks approach in the coming weeks. First-year university students face a risk approximately 7 times greater than that of young people of a similar age who do not attend university, according to the study. Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, said: "It's fantastic that nearly a quarter of a million young people have already had their first dose of protection thanks to the support of thousands of community pharmacies, but freshers weeks and moving into halls and student houses can significantly increase the risk of exposure to MenB infection, so it's vital to get fully shielded and book a second jab in the coming weeks. "High street pharmacies up and down the country are making it easy and convenient to get jabbed, so if you're eligible, please come forward and book as soon as possible to give yourself the best protection". Two doses of the vaccine are required for full protection, with at least 28 days between each jab. Those who qualify can now book online through the NHS National Booking Service for appointments at community pharmacies, or get in touch with a participating pharmacy directly. NHS advice on the risks of MenB infection The NHS has emphasised that MenB infection can trigger serious, life-threatening complications, including inflammation of the brain's lining and sepsis (blood poisoning). The NHS stated in its update: "This can lead to life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss and brain damage – and in some cases can prove fatal. "The bacteria that cause MenB disease can be spread through close contact with an infected person. This can be through kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, or prolonged close contact with the person for long periods of time, such as living in the same home." Those eligible for the jab are: - people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008. - people born on or after 21 July 2001 and starting university for the first time this autumn. - people born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting in some residential further education colleges for the first time this autumn. The MenACWY vaccine that Dr Ranj referred to offers protection against potentially fatal conditions such as meningitis and sepsis. While it is routinely administered to teenagers in school, it can still be provided up to the age of 25 for those who may have missed it. For more on the MenACWY vaccine, visit the NHS website on the issue.