Health officials have expanded the meningitis B vaccination programme to include year 11 pupils at four schools in Kent affected by an outbreak. The move comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that the number of cases has fallen from 29 to 23, with 20 confirmed and three under investigation.
The vaccination drive, which initially targeted University of Kent students from 18 March, now includes sixth form pupils at schools with known or suspected cases. Health Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed the expansion during a visit to the campus, describing it as a precautionary measure to ensure long-term protection. To date, more than 13,000 antibiotic doses and over 10,000 vaccine doses have been administered.
A UKHSA technical report reveals that the earliest case fell ill on 9 March, with the most recent on 16 March. The peak of the outbreak occurred on 13 March. All cases were hospitalised, with nine admitted to intensive care. Two students have died: 18-year-old Juliette Kenny and a University of Kent student. The median age of cases is 19, and 18 of the 23 are students.
The report notes that 20 of the 23 cases had an epidemiological link to Club Chemistry in Canterbury. Experts say the outbreak's unusual size and pace likely result from a combination of the bacterial strain, population immunity, and social factors. Whole genome sequencing identified the strain as a new variant of group B meningococci, present in England since 2020, and responsive to antibiotics and MenB vaccines.
Investigations are ongoing to determine if the strain's genetic differences affect its transmissibility or disease potential. Researchers are also examining co-circulating viruses that may facilitate bacterial entry into the bloodstream. Initial susceptibility studies focus on young people aged 15 to 22. The transmission level is currently at 1.1, indicating a known cluster with a small number of directly linked cases, all acquired in Kent.
UKHSA incident director Dr Merav Kliner urged vigilance for symptoms among contacts who have received antibiotics and vaccinations. She reminded the public that over 350 cases of meningococcal infection occur nationwide each year, emphasising the importance of awareness.
