Meningitis B vaccine offered to all freshers after Kent outbreak

Young people starting university in the UK this autumn are to be offered the meningitis B vaccine, ministers have announced, in the wake of a fatal outbreak of the disease in Kent.

Those under 25 starting degrees will be offered a two-dose vaccination from July onwards, with all Year 13 pupils also covered, regardless of their educational plans, plus under-25s planning to start residential further education courses.

The one-off programme was announced by England’s Department of Health and Social Care alongside devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

It comes after an outbreak affecting 21 young people in Kent in March this year, which left two dead, including an undergraduate at the University of Kent.

Ministers said that the Kent outbreak was the fastest growing and largest ever seen in the UK. In addition, there have been more clusters than normal this year, some of which have been bigger than expected. Reading and Surrey universities have both also been impacted by outbreaks this year. 

Officials said that this summer’s initiative would protect those at higher risk while the government decides whether a longer-running inoculation programme is required.

“Starting university or college is an exciting milestone. This vaccination programme means students can focus on their studies and new experiences, knowing they have taken an important step to protect their health,” said Jacqui Smith, the skills minister for England. “I encourage every eligible student to come forward for both doses as soon as possible.”

The meningitis B vaccine is now offered to infants, but many of those starting university will not have received these jabs. University freshers are thought to be at significantly higher risk of catching the disease from close and prolonged contact in their accommodation and at social events.

International students aged under 25 who are enrolling in university for the first time are being advised to receive their first dose in their home country where possible. Postgraduates are not covered by the programme.

Medical experts welcomed the announcement.

“This is a very sensible and pragmatic response to the recent unprecedented Meningitis B outbreaks. It will offer protection to children and young people at most risk before the autumn when we know the risk increases and allow the [Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation] enough time to fully evaluate evidence for updating the whole UK meningitis vaccine schedule,” said Emma Wall, clinical professor of infectious diseases at Queen Mary University of London.

chris.havergal@timeshighereducation.com