The UK is close to eradicating a potentially fatal bacterial disease that can cause meningitis and septicaemia, new figures suggest.
There were just three cases of meningococcal group C - the infection which can lead to meningitis C - last year, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. Cases of the illness are down by 99% since a routine jab was introduced on the NHS in 1999.
"Thanks to the power of vaccines, we are now on the brink of defeating meningococcal C disease in the UK, but the fight against these deadly diseases that cause meningitis and septicaemia continues," Dr Shamez Ladhani, UK Health Security Agency.
However, officials have raised concerns about meningococcal group B - which can cause meningitis B - due to the continued decline in the uptake of childhood vaccinations.
New data shows there were 341 cases of meningococcal disease, with the bacteria that causes meningitis B responsible for 88% (301) of cases. Meningococcal bacteria is a serious and potentially deadly infection that can cause meningitis, an infection in the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
Symptoms include headaches, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, fever and a sensitivity to light. The bacteria can also cause septicaemia or blood poisoning as well as pneumonia.
The Hib/MenC vaccine is given to babies at one year old and helps prevent haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and meningitis C. The MenB vaccine is offered to babies at eight weeks, 16 weeks and one year old.
"Too many children are still not fully vaccinated and ensuring their protection is as important as ever - this disease can strike quickly and leave you with life-changing health complications if not treated promptly," Steve Russell, NHS England.
There is also the MenACWY vaccine for teenagers in Year 9 and Year 10 or aged 13 to 14.
"That's why it is so important that parents protect their children by ensuring they get their infant MenB vaccinations and teenagers get their MenACWY in school," Dr Shamez Ladhani added.
Last year, some 91% of children in England received two doses of the MenB vaccine, a decrease of 0.5% from the previous 12 months. MenB booster coverage was 87.6%, a fall of 0.4%. Rates among youngsters routinely offered the MenACWY jab in the 2022/23 school year was 68.6% in Year 9 and 73.4% by Year 10.
"All teenagers remain eligible for the MenACWY jab until their 25th birthday... If they have missed out, it is vital they get vaccinated particularly if they are going on to university or colleges where their risk of severe disease... from meningitis or septicaemia is much higher," Dr Shamez Ladhani emphasized.
"It is fantastic to see positive impact... However too many children are still not fully vaccinated..." Steve Russell commented further about vaccination efforts' importance against this dangerous disease."
Other groups of meningococcal disease including A W Y remain very low according UKHSA noted
."MenB remains most prevalent strain reinforcing need vigilance additional research inform strategies support families affected" concluded Dr Tom Nutt chief executive charity Now.