Teen tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas urged to get Men B vaccine

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Stefanos Tsitsipas hailed the ‘efficacy’ of the jab

Greek officials have told a teenage tennis player that he is not yet old enough to receive a vaccine that offers protection against deadly meningitis.

Stefanos Tsitsipas has come under fire for suggesting he did not need the Men B meningitis B vaccine because he had not been bitten by a mosquito.

His comments came during the second round of the Canadian Open.

Tsitsipas said his comments were “baffling”, saying he would give the vaccine when he was old enough.

The Greek sports ministry said it was “baffled” by Tsitsipas’ comments and would review whether it needed to “update its policies and guidance” to protect children and adolescents against the disease.

“It is only recommended at the age of 15-16 for the vaccination against human papillomavirus to prevent cervical cancer, and more recently in 2014 for Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) and MenB meningitis B vaccination,” the Greek health ministry added.

Men B meningitis can kill, as long as the infection is caught early. The vaccination can help extend the life of those who have already been infected, and reduce the risks to other children and adults.

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