Students in Kent are to be offered targeted meningitis B jabs after two more cases in a deadly outbreak were confirmed, with pharmacies reporting vaccine shortages. The outbreak, which has affected 15 people including two deaths, has been linked to bacterial strain B of the disease.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the situation as an unprecedented and rapidly developing outbreak in a Commons update. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has launched a small vaccination programme for students living at the University of Kent's Canterbury campus halls of residence, which may be expanded as pharmacy stocks of the MenB vaccine run low.
MenB vaccines have only been available on the NHS since 2015, leaving those over 10 years old vulnerable unless privately vaccinated. Private doses cost between £100 and £120 each, with a full course around £200 to £240.
The UKHSA confirmed that four of the 15 cases, including the two deaths, involved meningitis B. The remaining 11 are under investigation. One affected student travelled to London and sought hospital care there.
Pharmacies are urging the NHS to commission a nationwide catchup vaccination programme for university students and teenagers born before 2015. Dr Leyla Hannbeck of the Independent Pharmacies Association said supplies are running low, with some pharmacies already out of stock.
The UKHSA advised anyone who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury on 5, 6 or 7 March to seek preventive antibiotic treatment. Officials also urged young people in Kent to accept antibiotic offers to protect themselves and their families.
