NHS to offer second MenB vaccine after deadly Kent outbreak

Almost 12,000 people who were given meningitis B vaccinations following a deadly outbreak last month in Kent will be offered their second dose from next week. Two people died and another 19 were confirmed to have the disease. The vaccine programme, which includes two doses, was offered to those who may have been exposed, including some university students and school pupils in the area. Clinics are set to open in Canterbury, Faversham and Ashford and those eligible will be able to schedule an appointment via an online booking system. Students living in university halls in Kent, and those who attended a nightclub connected to the outbreak, were among those being offered the jabs. NHS Kent and Medway has said appointments will be available across multiple clinics and hubs, with more information on how to book due to be published from Monday. According to the NHS, the vaccine protects against most types of meningococcal group B bacteria in the UK. A second dose must be given at least four weeks after the first, but can be given later. Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the outbreak at the time as "unprecedented" due to the number of people who became infected in a short time fram