The rollout of the meningitis B vaccine has started at the University of Kent following a serious outbreak that has claimed two lives. More than 2,300 vaccines and nearly 10,000 doses of antibiotics have been administered as of Thursday, with students queuing for hours at clinics in Ashford and Canterbury.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed 29 probable or confirmed cases, with 13 of 18 confirmed cases being meningococcal group B (MenB). The number of cases has risen by 35% since the initial alert, though the rate of spread has slowed.
Among the victims is Juliette Kenny, an 18-year-old sixth form student who died within 12 hours of falling ill. Her father Michael Kenny described how she was 'fit, healthy and strong' before vomiting in the early hours of Friday 13 March, followed by discolouration on her cheeks. Despite receiving antibiotics and hospital care, she died the next day.
Mr Kenny urged families to be vigilant for symptoms, saying: 'No family should experience this pain and tragedy. This can be avoided.' The government has widened eligibility for the vaccine to include Year 12 and 13 pupils at affected schools and anyone who attended Club Chemistry in Canterbury from 5-15 March.
Some pharmacies reported shortages after panic buying, and more than 100 people were turned away from one clinic on Thursday. The NHS continues to offer vaccines and antibiotics at multiple sites, with additional doses expected on Friday.
