Meningitis in fatal Kent outbreak identified as less-targeted strain B
AI Summary
A fatal meningitis outbreak in Kent has been identified as caused by a strain of the disease that most people have not been vaccinated against, group B meningococcal strain. According to UK Health Security Agency officials, this strain is typically targeted by vaccines given to teenagers at age 13 or 14, but those born before 2015 are not protected unless they have had a private vaccination. The NHS has introduced a vaccine for babies in 2015, but supplies of the meningitis B vaccine are running low. Pharmacies are urging an NHS catch-up programme to protect all those born before 2015, particularly university students and teenagers. The UK Health Security Agency is advising young people to take up the offer of antibiotics if offered, and pharmacies are experiencing a surge in demand for private vaccinations. Private meningitis B vaccinations cost between £100 and £120 per dose.
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