Kent Outbreak Prompts Jab Review

A fatal outbreak of meningitis B in Kent has prompted a review into expanding the eligibility for routine vaccinations. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is considering a wider review after the health secretary requested an examination of eligibility criteria for the meningitis B vaccine.

Health officials in Kent reported 18 confirmed cases and 11 more under investigation, with concerns that cases could spread as students return home for Easter. Experts noted that protection from the MenB jab, introduced for infants in 2015, is not long-lasting and does not prevent transmission.

The JCVI previously deemed catch-up campaigns for older children not cost-effective under Treasury rules. However, the current outbreak, which has led to at least two fatalities, including that of teenager Juliette Kenny, has spurred calls for change. Her family is advocating for routine access to the vaccine for all teenagers and young people.

While some experts suggest adding MenB to routine Year 9 immunizations, others doubt the JCVI will recommend expansion due to cost-effectiveness constraints. The Bexsero vaccine used in Kent is believed to offer protection against the outbreak strain. Over 4,500 people in Kent have already been vaccinated, and more doses are available.