Scientific advisory committee to examine impact of offering routine MenB jabs to wider range of people
The Kent meningitis outbreak: what is happening and why?
Experts are considering the case for routinely vaccinating more people against meningitis B in response to the fatal outbreak in Kent.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s review was announced after the health secretary, Wes Streeting, asked it to “re-examine eligibility for meningitis vaccines” for a wider range of people than those who now qualify.
Health officials in Kent, where there have been two fatalities, said cases could spread outside the county as students return home for Easter. On Friday the UK Health Security Agency said there were 18 confirmed cases, and 11 more under investigation.
