Second MenB vaccine dose offered after deadly meningitis outbreak in Kent

Nearly 12,000 people in Kent who received the initial meningitis B vaccine following an outbreak last month will be offered a second dose starting next week.

The outbreak resulted in two deaths and 19 confirmed cases of the disease.

Vaccination clinics will open in Canterbury, Faversham, and Ashford, with appointments available via an online booking system.

The outbreak primarily affected university students and school pupils, including those living in university halls and individuals who attended a local nightclub linked to the spread of the infection.

Two individuals-a 21-year-old university student and a sixth form pupil-died after contracting meningitis B, while many others required inpatient hospital care.

The UK Health Security Agency declared a national incident to mobilize resources such as antibiotic supplies and support the vaccination rollout.

NHS Kent and Medway is coordinating the effort, with multiple clinics and hubs offering appointments.

The vaccine requires two doses for effective protection, with the second dose administered at least four weeks after the first.

The targeted vaccination programme initially focused on university students before expanding to other exposed groups, including nightclub attendees and certain sixth form students.

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