Students at the University of Kent's Canterbury campus are to be offered targeted meningitis B vaccinations after two more cases were confirmed in a deadly outbreak, with pharmacies reporting dwindling vaccine supplies. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified bacterial strain B in two fatalities, for which most people over 10 are unvaccinated.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the outbreak as unprecedented and rapidly developing in a Commons update. The UKHSA has launched a small vaccination programme for students living in Canterbury campus halls of residence, which may be expanded. The number of confirmed cases has risen from 13 to 15, with four involving meningitis B, including the two deaths.
Private meningitis B vaccinations cost £100-£120 per dose, but stocks are running low. Dr Leyla Hannbeck of the Independent Pharmacies Association urged the NHS to commission a nationwide catchup programme for those born before 2015. The UKHSA is also advising anyone who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury on 5, 6 or 7 March to seek preventive antibiotics.
The outbreak has claimed the lives of a year 13 pupil in Faversham and a University of Kent student. UKHSA deputy director Gayatri Amirthalingam assured that taking antibiotics makes it safe for students to return home. Streeting noted symptoms are easily mistaken for common conditions like hangovers, and the bacteria spreads through prolonged close contact.
