Home / Health / Kent sixth-formers get meningitis B jab amid outbreak
Kent sixth-formers get meningitis B jab amid outbreak
24 Mar
Summary
- Meningitis B vaccinations are being expanded to Kent sixth-form students.
- A new bacterial mutation is driving the current meningitis B outbreak.
- Most infected individuals attended Club Chemistry in Canterbury.
Schoolchildren aged 15 and 16 in Kent are to receive the meningitis B jab amid an ongoing outbreak. This vaccination initiative is expanding to sixth-form pupils following its rollout for university students. The decision comes after the UK Health Security Agency confirmed 20 cases of meningitis, with three under investigation.
Officials have identified a new mutation of group B meningococci bacteria as the cause of the current outbreak. Early indications suggest standard antibiotics and the existing vaccine are effective against this strain. The outbreak is strongly linked to attendees of Club Chemistry in Canterbury between March 5 and 7.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has commended the tireless efforts of healthcare workers and the public's cooperation in seeking antibiotics and vaccinations. The expansion of the jab program aims to ensure long-term protection against the disease that has tragically resulted in two deaths so far.
