The government has expanded meningitis B vaccination eligibility in Kent following an outbreak that has now reached 27 confirmed or suspected cases. Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced that anyone who attended Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 and 15 March should receive antibiotics and the vaccine. The move follows two deaths—one school pupil and one university student—in what officials describe as the fastest-growing outbreak they have ever seen.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed 15 laboratory cases and 12 under investigation. Over 600 meningitis B vaccines have been administered at the University of Kent’s Canterbury campus, and more than 6,500 antibiotic doses have been issued. However, more than 100 students were turned away when the vaccine queue closed due to capacity; it reopened on Friday.
Professor Susan Hopkins, UKHSA chief executive, said: “By extending the vaccination programme to everyone who has been offered preventive antibiotics, we are taking an important additional step to protect those most likely to have been exposed.” The vaccine is now available to students at the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University, as well as sixth formers at four affected schools.
Officials believe the outbreak is caused by a known strain of meningitis B, but the reason for its size remains unclear. Professor Robin May, UKHSA chief scientific officer, suggested two possibilities: behavioural factors or bacterial evolution. Additional vaccination centres are opening in Faversham, Ashford, and at the University of Kent.
The UKHSA has issued a national alert for meningitis symptoms but stressed the outbreak is not expected to spread nationwide. Meningitis B, caused by Neisseria meningitidis, can be life-threatening if bacteria enter the blood or spinal fluid. Prompt antibiotic treatment is critical.
