Kent meningitis B outbreak renews call to reconsider teen vaccination in the UK
Five new meningitis B cases in Kent have prompted a targeted vaccination drive for students after two deaths, with teens still not routinely offered MenB in the UK since the vaccine is primarily given to babies; JCVI previously found MenB vaccination for teens not cost-effective, though the Health Secretary has asked them to re-examine eligibility. In outbreaks, antibiotics for close contacts are prioritized, vaccines don’t provide immediate protection, and debates continue about whether teenagers should be offered MenB, alongside private vaccination options at a cost.