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<p>Decisions on the introduction of vaccinations into the United Kingdom immunisation
programme are based on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation
(JCVI), an expert panel that advises the Government on all immunisation matters.</p><p>
</p><p>Meningitis can be caused by a range of viruses and bacteria, and can be prevented
by a number of vaccinations that are part of the UK programme, including three meningococcal
vaccination programmes:</p><p> </p><p>- meningococcal group B offered to babies;</p><p>-
meningococcal group C offered to babies as part of a combination vaccination that
also protects against Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib); and</p><p>- meningococcal
groups A, C, W and Y offered to adolescents in school and some school leavers/university
entrants.</p><p> </p><p>Other vaccination programmes that have reduced common causes
of meningitis include those using:</p><p> </p><p>- the measles, mumps and rubella
vaccine;</p><p>- the Hib vaccine; and</p><p>- the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.</p><p>
</p><p>The JCVI keeps all vaccination programmes under review and considers new evidence
when it becomes available.</p>
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