Is the vaccine effective against the deadly meningitis strain in the UK?

Yes, early laboratory analysis indicates that the vaccine being offered to students should protect against the strain of meningitis behind an outbreak in southeast England that has resulted in two deaths.

What strain of meningitis is causing the outbreak in England?

The strain of meningitis behind the outbreak in southeast England belongs to a group known as ST-41/44, which has been circulating in the country in recent years.

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Meningitis Vaccine Effective Against Deadly UK Strain

Q: What measures are being taken to combat the meningitis outbreak?

As part of the response, 2,360 people have received vaccinations, and approximately 9,840 courses of antibiotics have been administered. Vaccination clinics were also expanded.

20 Mar

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Summary

Vaccine offers protection against the specific meningitis strain causing recent deaths.
Early lab analysis confirms the ST-41/44 strain is covered by the existing vaccine.
Outbreak response includes vaccinations for 2,360 people and nearly 10,000 antibiotic courses.

Meningitis Vaccine Effective Against Deadly UK Strain

Britain's health authorities have announced that early laboratory tests show the vaccine administered to students is effective against the strain of meningitis responsible for two recent fatalities in southeast England. The UK Health Security Agency identified the strain as belonging to the ST-41/44 group of meningococci, which has been observed in the country in recent years.

The confirmation that the Bexsero vaccine covers this particular strain has provided "important reassurance," according to the agency, though further analysis is ongoing. As part of the public health response, 2,360 individuals have received vaccinations, and approximately 9,840 courses of antibiotics have been administered. As of Thursday evening, 18 cases of the disease had been confirmed, with an additional 11 cases under investigation.

Health officials expanded vaccination clinics on Thursday due to concerns that the outbreak might not yet be contained. This situation has led to a high national demand for the MenB vaccine, with widespread reports of limited supplies at pharmacies across Britain.

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