Story perspectives

Kent Launches Second Meningitis B Vaccine Amid Outbreak

4/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Nearly 12,000 people will receive a second meningitis B vaccine dose next week in Kent.
The Kent outbreak has caused two deaths and 19 confirmed cases, with clinics in Canterbury, Faversham, and Ashford facilitating appointments.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting pressed the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to reconsider vaccinating teenagers.
The UK Health Security Agency declared a national incident to support rollout and provide antibiotics.

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Story summary

Nearly 12,000 people will receive a second meningitis B vaccine dose next week in Kent.
The Kent outbreak has caused two deaths and 19 confirmed cases, with clinics in Canterbury, Faversham, and Ashford facilitating appointments.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting pressed the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to reconsider vaccinating teenagers.
The UK Health Security Agency declared a national incident to support rollout and provide antibiotics.