What the data shows
A meningococcal meningitis outbreak at the University of Kent has raised urgent concerns, as two young people have died and 20 others are receiving treatment. This outbreak highlights the critical need for vaccination and awareness among students, particularly those who missed the vaccination cut-off.
The strain involved is meningococcal group B, and the vaccine Bexsero, which protects against this disease, has been available since 2013. However, the UK only added Bexsero to its national immunisation schedule for babies in September 2015. As a result, every student currently enrolled at the university was born before July 2015 and missed the opportunity for vaccination through the NHS.
In a concerning trend, a study indicated that the proportion of students carrying meningococcal bacteria surged from less than 7% to over 23% within just four days of starting university. This rapid increase underscores the heightened risk associated with university life, where first-year undergraduate students face a meningococcal B disease risk nearly 12 times higher than their non-student peers.
The severity of meningococcal infections cannot be overstated; the fatality rate for infections that enter the bloodstream can reach as high as 70-80%. In response to the outbreak, health authorities have launched a targeted vaccination campaign for students living in halls of residence. More than 30,000 individuals in the Canterbury area have been contacted as part of this public health effort.
Following the outbreak, there has been a significant surge in demand for private meningitis B vaccinations, with bookings increasing to 65 times their normal level. Each dose of the Bexsero vaccine costs approximately £110, totaling £220 for a full course. This raises concerns about accessibility, as a public health expert noted that the availability of private vaccinations creates a situation where access depends on the ability to pay.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting is set to ask the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to re-examine eligibility for meningitis vaccines in light of the outbreak. The economic rationale for limiting the vaccination program to infants has weakened since 2015, according to Philip Broadbent, emphasizing the need for a broader vaccination strategy.
The link between university life and the risk of meningococcal disease has been established for decades, and this outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by students. As health authorities continue to respond, the situation remains fluid, and details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the outbreak and its implications for future vaccination policies.