health
Experts consider expanding meningitis vaccine eligibility after Kent outbreak
Scientific advisory committee to examine impact of offering routine MenB jabs to wider range of people
TL;DR
- A fatal meningitis B outbreak in Kent has prompted a review of eligibility for routine vaccinations.
- The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is examining whether to offer the MenB jab to a wider population.
- Health officials are monitoring potential spread of the disease as students travel for Easter holidays.
- The current Bexsero vaccine is thought to protect against the outbreak strain.
- Previous JCVI decisions against wider MenB vaccination have cited cost-effectiveness concerns.