"Vaccination coverage against the main causes of meningitis varies significantly across England, analysis of government data reveals as health bosses call on parents to ensure their children are fully up to date in the wake of two deaths in Kent. Questions have been raised over the vaccination of young people after the outbreak of cases in the Canterbury area."
"An 18-year-old pupil called Juliette and a 21-year-old university student have died, while another 11 people are in hospital, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which has confirmed that the strain of meningitis B (menB) is behind the outbreak."
"The menB vaccine has been offered to babies at eight weeks, 16 weeks and one year since 2015, meaning those at university today will not have received it. The menACWY vaccine, which protects against four other strains, is offered to teenagers in Year 9."
Vaccination coverage against meningitis varies significantly across England, according to analysis of government data. Two deaths have occurred in the Canterbury area—an 18-year-old pupil named Juliette and a 21-year-old university student—with 11 additional people hospitalized. The UK Health Security Agency confirmed meningitis B as the outbreak strain. Two vaccines protect against meningitis: menB, offered to babies since 2015, and menACWY, offered to teenagers in Year 9. University students today lack menB vaccination coverage. Pharmacies in Kent report vaccine shortages due to increased demand following the outbreak. Health officials are calling on parents to ensure their children receive complete vaccination protection.
Read at www.independent.co.uk
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