A VACCINE against menigitis B will be introduced in the UK, the Department of Health announced yesterday.

Oxford researchers including Dr Matthew Snape, of the Oxford Vaccine Group, and Professor Andrew Pollard, Professor of Paediatric Infection and Immunity, have been involved in the development of the vaccine.

The decision follows advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) chaired by Prof Pollard, which says evidence shows that the Bexsero vaccine is effective in preventing the disease in infants.

It will be rolled out if a cost is agreed.

The JCVI had previously said the vaccine was not cost effective.