NHS to offer second dose of MenB vaccine after Kent outbreak
NHS to offer second dose of MenB vaccine after Kent outbreak
NHS Kent and Medway has announced that nearly 12,000 individuals who received meningitis B vaccinations following a recent outbreak will be eligible for a second dose starting next week. The incident led to two fatalities and 19 confirmed cases of the disease. The initial vaccine rollout, which requires two doses, was targeted at people potentially exposed, such as students and pupils in the region.
Clinics will open in Canterbury, Faversham, and Ashford, with appointments accessible via an online system. Those in university halls in Kent and individuals who visited a nightclub linked to the outbreak are among the groups being prioritized. NHS Kent and Medway emphasized that booking details will be released from Monday, ensuring multiple locations are available for access.
Protective measures and vaccine details
The MenB vaccine is designed to shield against most meningococcal group B strains in the UK. While a second dose must be administered at least four weeks post-first, it can be given later if needed. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) activated a national incident to expedite the distribution of antibiotics and other resources.
“The outbreak was unprecedented,” remarked Health Secretary Wes Streeting, highlighting the rapid spread of the infection. Two victims, including a 21-year-old university student and sixth form pupil Juliette Kenny, succumbed to the illness, while others required inpatient care.
The targeted vaccination campaign initially focused on students in Kent’s university residences before expanding to attendees of Club Chemistry, where the outbreak is believed to have started. Additional groups, such as sixth form students at institutions with confirmed or suspected cases, were later added. Preventative antibiotics were also provided to a broader population, with long lines forming at the University of Kent over several days.
MenB vaccinations have been part of the UK’s routine schedule since 2015, primarily for infants and young children. At that time, UK advisers concluded that a widespread catch-up for teenagers was not cost-effective, opting instead for the MenACWY vaccine, which covers four meningitis strains but excludes MenB. The recent outbreak prompted Streeting to commission a review of this decision by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
