health
Meningitis vaccine eligibility expanded after Kent outbreak rises to 27
Anyone who was at Club Chemistry in Canterbury from 5 March to 15 March advised to get antibiotics and vaccination
TL;DR
- Vaccination eligibility for meningitis is being expanded in Kent following a rise in cases to 27.
- Individuals who attended Club Chemistry in Canterbury between March 5th and March 15th are advised to seek antibiotics and vaccination.
- The expansion includes students from the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University, as well as some sixth formers.
- This expanded program targets those who have previously been offered prophylactic antibiotics.
- The outbreak is linked to a known strain of meningitis B, and officials are investigating the reasons for its rapid spread.
- Vaccination centers are opening across Kent, and additional doses are being released to support private vaccine provision.
- Two deaths, one university student and one school pupil, have been linked to the outbreak.
- The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an alert to the wider NHS regarding meningitis symptoms.