Second vaccine doses available for Kent meningitis outbreak from today
Eligible individuals encouraged to complete vaccination course for best protection
Starting today, individuals who received their first Meningitis B vaccination, following the recent outbreak in Kent, can receive their second dose through an online booking platform.
The MenB vaccine is administered in a two-dose course, with both doses required to ensure optimal, long-lasting protection against the disease.
Appointments in Canterbury today are expected to be fully booked out, though other areas such as Faversham and Ashford still have available slots.
When scheduling, it is vital to select a date at least 28 days after the first vaccination, as recommended by NHS Kent and Medway officials.
Kate Langford, Chief Medical Officer and Outcomes Officer for NHS Kent and Medway, emphasized the importance of this second dose: “Two doses of the MenB vaccine are needed for the best, long-lasting protection.”
She also stressed that those who were booking appointments should make sure to attend:
"If people have booked, please don't waste the appointment. Please don't decide later not to come.
"If you've booked, please come and use that really valuable appointment"
Multiple clinics and hubs have been established to accommodate bookings, allowing individuals to choose dates and locations that are convenient for them.
Additionally, students from affected schools in the outbreak will receive their vaccinations at school. If students cannot attend the school clinic, appointments can be booked online.
Dr Shamez Ladhani, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, highlighted the need for completing the vaccination course:
“So far, it is reassuring there have been no further cases linked to the outbreak for more than three weeks. However, receiving the full course of two MenB vaccine doses remains critical for providing protection against MenB disease.”
The opportunity is also being extended to those who still need their first dose, and those who received the first dose either through their GP or privately, provided they bring proof of the previous vaccination.
Eligible individuals are encouraged to promptly book their second dose and ensure they receive full protection against MenB.