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Meningitis B Vaccine Boost for Kent Schools
24 Mar
Summary
- Vaccination program expands to year 11 students in affected Kent schools.
- Total confirmed meningitis cases stand at 23, a decrease from previous day's figures.
- The identified strain of meningitis B responds to antibiotics and existing vaccines.
Health officials are expanding the meningitis B vaccination program to year 11 students at four schools in Kent experiencing an outbreak. This precautionary measure aims to ensure long-term protection. As of Tuesday, March 25, 2026, 23 cases of meningitis had been confirmed, with three more under investigation, marking a decrease from 29 cases reported the previous day.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that the specific strain of meningitis B causing the outbreak responds to both antibiotics and the menB vaccine. This provides strong reassurance regarding treatment effectiveness. The earliest known case became unwell on March 9, and the latest on March 16, with the peak of reported cases occurring on March 13.
Analysis shows most patients attended Club Chemistry in Canterbury between March 5-7, prior to falling ill. The median age of those affected is 19. All patients required hospital admission, with nine admitted to intensive care, four of whom remain. Tragically, two students, aged 18, have died as a result of the illness.
