Summary
The UK Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, stated that people do not need to buy meningitis vaccines privately, despite an outbreak at the University of Kent. A vaccination program is in place for students in specific university accommodations where the outbreak occurred.
Key Facts
- A meningitis outbreak is happening at the University of Kent in Canterbury.
- So far, there are 20 confirmed and suspected cases linked to a nightclub, with two deaths reported.
- The UK is offering a targeted vaccination program for about 5,000 students in affected university halls.
- Since 2015, babies in the UK have been routinely vaccinated against meningitis B (MenB), but older teens and university students have not.
- Some parents have been buying the MenB vaccine privately due to concerns.
- Pharmacies have run low or out of vaccine stock due to increased demand.
- About 2,500 doses of antibiotics have been distributed to manage the outbreak.
- The infection spreads through close contact, like kissing or sharing drinks, but experts say masks are unnecessary.
