- An outbreak of meningitis B in Kent has led to the deaths of an 18-year-old pupil and a 21-year-old university student, with 11 others hospitalised.
- Meningitis vaccination coverage across England varies significantly, with uptake for both menB and menACWY vaccines remaining below pre-Covid levels.
- Analysis shows menACWY coverage for Year 10 students is lowest in London (65 per cent) and highest in the East of England (83 per cent).
- The two-dose menB vaccination for 12-month-olds ranges from 63 per cent in Hackney to 97 per cent in North Tyneside and East Riding of Yorkshire.
- Following the Kent outbreak, there are calls for a catch-up menB vaccination programme for teenagers and young adults, as pharmacies in the affected area report shortages.
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