- Pharmacies across the UK are experiencing a shortage of meningitis B (MenB) vaccine stock due to a significant surge in demand.
- The spike in demand follows an "explosive" outbreak of 20 meningitis cases in Kent, confirmed by the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA), which has resulted in two deaths.
- High street chains like Boots and Superdrug have implemented queuing systems and waiting lists for the MenB jab, with Superdrug reporting a 65-fold increase in demand.
- Despite the UKHSA stating there are "sufficient MenB vaccine stocks," health chiefs have announced only a targeted vaccination programme for students in Canterbury halls of residence, not a nationwide rollout.
- There are calls from Labour's Wes Streeting and the charity Meningitis Now for wider NHS eligibility for teenagers and young people, though epidemiologists question the vaccine's cost-effectiveness and ability to prevent transmission.
IN FULL
