The European Commission has granted a licence for the first meningitis B vaccine in Europe, 4CMenB (Bexsero), manufacturer Novartis announced yesterday (January 22).

The decision means the vaccine licensed for use in the UK and comes after the European Medicines Agency gave a positive recommendation for the vaccine in November.

4CMenB, which the commission recommended for use in those aged two months or older, is still under consideration by the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation for inclusion on the UK's immunisation programme, with a decision expected to be made in the summer.

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	But following yesterday's announcement, charity Meningitis UK launched a campaign urging the government to make the vaccine available on the NHS childhood immunisation schedule "as soon as possible".

"Any delay means lives will be lost," said Meningitis UK founder Steve Dayman. "Cost shouldn't be a barrier for this vaccine, either – you cannot put a price on life," he added.

Novartis said it was committed to making the vaccine available as soon as possible.