UK steps up meningitis vaccine drive after sudden outbreak

A meningitis outbreak that sickened 19 people and killed two in a short span has triggered an urgent second-dose vaccination push in the U. K. The cases were mostly tied to a university in Kent, where students and nearby school pupils appear to have been hit hardest. Officials confirmed the situation is rare because the infections spread so rapidly among people who had close contact in dorms, nightclubs, and classrooms. Health teams are now offering a second MenB shot to nearly 12, 000 people who only received their first dose weeks ago, aiming to close the protection gap before more cases emerge.Clinics in Canterbury, Faversham, and Ashford will handle bookings, with slots available online for students, club visitors, and others linked to the outbreak. Although the second dose is usually given at least four weeks after the first, it can be delayed without losing effectiveness. The vaccine targets the main strains of meningococcal group B bacteria commonly found in the U. K. Health agencies are also considering whether to expand future MenB offers to more teenagers nationwide, not just those in outbreak hotspots. Meanwhile, quick antibiotic distribution is underway to prevent further spread. The swift response highlights how fast public health systems can adapt when clusters of serious illness appear.