Government accused of ‘playing Russian roulette’ with meningitis B vaccine

• An "explosive" Meningitis B outbreak in Kent has led to 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, prompting urgent calls for a wider vaccination programme for young people.
• Marrissa Mullans, whose 18-year-old son Alfie died from Meningitis B in 2023, is campaigning for the MenB vaccine to be offered to all young people, not just those born after 2015.
• The outbreak has led to the University of Kent offering vaccines to 5,000 students in halls of residence, while pharmacies in the county report a surge in demand for private supplies.
• Health Secretary Wes Streeting has asked the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to re-examine eligibility for meningitis vaccines, but stated he would not have a "knee-jerk reaction" to wider rollout.
• The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned NHS staff about the "severe with rapid deterioration" nature of the illness and advised a high index of suspicion for symptoms in 16-30 year olds.

IN FULL

Government ‘playing Russian roulette’ by not offering all young people meningitis B jab, campaigners say