The meningitis outbreak in Kent that has led to the deaths of two people has been identified as being caused by the MenB strain, a form of the disease that most of the population is not routinely vaccinated against.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the strain following laboratory testing, with officials warning that current vaccination coverage does not include MenB for most teenagers and young adults.
MenB is now the most common cause of invasive meningococcal disease in the United Kingdom, accounting for more than 80% of cases since vaccination programmes significantly reduced other strains such as A, C, W and Y.
Unlike those strains, which are covered by the MenACWY vaccine routinely given to teenagers, protection against MenB is limited. The MenB vaccine was introduced on the NHS in 2015, but only for infants, meaning anyone older than around 11 years of age has not been routinely immunised unless vaccinated privately.
Health experts note that while the vaccine protects against the most common forms of group B meningococcal bacteria, it does not cover all variants. However, it has reduced infections by around 75% among those who received it.
The current outbreak has been concentrated in Canterbury and the surrounding Kent area. Officials have stressed that the disease does not spread easily and typically requires close or prolonged contact, such as intimate contact or sharing items that come into contact with the mouth.
Authorities have urged individuals who may have been exposed, including visitors to a Canterbury nightclub earlier in March, to take preventive antibiotics. Health officials say this is an effective measure to reduce both personal risk and onward transmission.
Two individuals, a Year 13 pupil in Faversham and a university student have died in the outbreak, while others remain in hospital receiving treatment.
Public health teams have established multiple sites in Kent for the distribution of antibiotics, with further locations planned to expand access.
Experts say vaccination campaigns for teenagers have previously not been considered cost-effective due to the high cost of the MenB vaccine and its limited impact on transmission, as it primarily prevents severe illness rather than infection spread.
However, calls have emerged for a reassessment of vaccination strategy in light of the outbreak, including the possibility of a catch-up programme for older age groups.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, including assessing whether available vaccines match the specific variant of MenB involved in the outbreak.