Call for students to get second meningitis B jab

More than 5,000 young people have been vaccinated against meningitis B (MenB) in Kent after a one-off programme expanding the jab's availability, according to the NHS.

Health officials expanded eligibility in June nationally to Year 13 pupils and students aged 18 to 25 heading to university or residential further education in 2026.

This followed a fatal outbreak of the infection in March, thought to have originated at a Canterbury nightclub.

Dr Kate Langford, chief medical officer for NHS Kent and Medway, encouraged anybody who had their first jab more than four weeks ago to book their second dose "as completing both doses provides the best protection against MenB disease".

From Thursday, eligible people starting further education and living in student accommodation can book their MenB vaccination through the NHS's online booking service.

The portal was already available to Year 13 pupils.

The scheme involves two jabs, free on the NHS, given at least four weeks apart for maximum protection.

"Individuals will also continue to be able to find participating pharmacies through the pharmacy finder," Langford said.

Two people died following the March outbreak in Kent - 18-year-old sixth former Juliette Kenny, from Faversham, and an unnamed University of Kent student aged 21.

There were 29 confirmed or suspected meningitis cases.

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) brought in a separate targeted vaccination and antibiotics programme in Kent as part of its response to the outbreak.

Babies have been offered a vaccine against MenB since 2015, which means people over the age of 11 did not receive the jab as a matter of routine.

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. There are several types and meningitis B can be very serious.

The MenACWY vaccine offers protection against four other types of bacteria that can cause meningitis and is offered to teenagers at the age of 14.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, made up of independent experts, recommended in July that all teenagers should be offered a free MenB vaccine at about the age of 15, a change in its guidance.

The government said at the time it would consider the advice and update on any future programmes in due course.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Kent on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.