Kent has seen a massive vaccination drive to tackle a deadly meningitis outbreak, with over 4,500 young people vaccinated so far, according to the BBC.
The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that the number of cases has risen to 29, with two deaths reported, both aged 18 and 21. The outbreak is thought to have originated at the Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury.
Health officials have cautioned that it is too early to determine if the outbreak has reached its peak, as meningitis has an incubation period of up to 10 days. The UKHSA has issued a public health alert for doctors in England to watch out for meningitis symptoms.
Police Response and Timeline
The police response has been focused on supporting the vaccination efforts, with clinics open in Canterbury, Faversham, and Ashford. The vaccination drive has been ongoing since the outbreak was reported, with thousands of people queueing to receive the MenB vaccine.
Annabelle Mackay, a 21-year-old University of Kent student, has spoken to the BBC about her experience surviving meningitis. She was at the Club Chemistry nightclub on 5 March and started showing symptoms six days later.
Investigation and Official Statements
UKHSA chief scientific officer, Prof Robin May, stated that the vaccines being deployed work well against the strain of invasive meningitis identified in Canterbury. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation will revisit its advice on whether a wider catch-up vaccination programme is needed.
Juliette Kenny's father, Michael, has urged the government to extend routine NHS access to the MenB vaccine to teenagers and young adults. He described his daughter as "a force in this world" who "spread fun, love and happiness" before her death.
Vaccination Efforts and Eligibility
Four clinics will be open on Saturday, with two in Canterbury, one in Faversham, and one in Ashford. Anyone who went to Club Chemistry between 5 and 15 March can get an MenB jab, as well as year 12 and 13 pupils at schools with confirmed or probable cases, students and staff at the University of Kent, and anyone who has been offered preventative antibiotic treatment by the UKHSA.
NHS Kent and Medway reported that 4,514 vaccines had been administered in Kent as of Friday afternoon, and 10,561 antibiotics had been handed out so far.
