Meningitis in Kent fatal outbreak identified as less targeted strain B

"We have now identified from some of the testing that it seems to be the group B meningococcal strain that is causing outbreak in Kent. We have a meningococcal vaccine covering four different strains in teenagers. Usually it is given at the age of 13 or 14 years of age. It covers four main groups A, C, W and Y."

"If you are a university student and you've been offered antibiotics, or anyone else who's been offered antibiotics, please take that immediately and it will be absolutely fine for you to return home. It's an effective measure for protecting yourself, but also as to your loved ones, your family and your friends."

"People born before 2015 are not protected against meningitis B unless they have had the jab privately. The vaccine was introduced on the NHS for babies in 2015. Private meningitis B vaccinations cost between 100 and 120 per dose in the UK, with a full two-dose course costing about 200240."

Government scientists identified meningitis B as the strain causing a fatal outbreak in Kent. The strain primarily affects people who lack vaccination protection, as the standard NHS meningococcal vaccine administered to teenagers covers only strains A, C, W, and Y. People born before 2015 have no NHS protection against meningitis B unless they received private vaccination, which costs £100-120 per dose. The UKHSA urged young people in Kent to take offered antibiotics as an effective protective measure for themselves and others. Two deaths have occurred, including a year 13 pupil and a University of Kent student, with additional cases hospitalized.

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