Vaccination and antibiotic distribution efforts are underway across Kent following the confirmation of 15 cases of invasive meningococcal disease, including two fatalities, linked to the University of Kent and schools in Canterbury. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) identified the cases between March 13th and 16th, with four confirmed as meningococcal group B.
A targeted vaccination programme began on Wednesday, March 18th, at the University of Kent, focusing on students living on campus. As of Thursday, March 19th, approximately 600 students had received their first dose of the Meningitis B vaccine, with a second dose scheduled for a minimum of four weeks later. Over 6,500 precautionary antibiotics have also been administered, according to a University of Kent statement. The University has cautioned that the vaccination clinic at the Sports Centre may close early today “due to demand.”
Antibiotics and vaccines are currently available at multiple locations throughout the county. The Vicarage Lane Clinic in Ashford, Faversham Health Centre, and the Gate Clinic at Kent and Canterbury Hospital are offering both vaccines and antibiotics until March 22nd. The James Williams Healthy Living Centre in Chatham is distributing antibiotics only. The Senate Building at the University of Kent is providing antibiotics, while the University’s Sports Centre is dedicated to vaccinations.
Specific opening hours vary by location. The University of Kent’s Sports Centre is open from 9:00 to 16:30 on March 20th, 21st, and 22nd. The Vicarage Lane Clinic, Gate Clinic, and Faversham Health Centre are open from 08:30 to 19:30 on March 20th, and 09:00 to 16:30 on March 21st and 22nd. The James Williams Healthy Living Centre is open from 08:30 to 17:30 on March 20th and 21st, and 10:30 to 14:30 on March 22nd.
The NHS has stated that no booking is required for these services and advises individuals to bring their NHS number if available. Medication cannot be collected on behalf of others. Individuals who are eligible but have left Kent are now able to request vaccinations and antibiotics from their local General Practitioner, including students who have returned home.
The outbreak originated with exposures at Club Chemistry, a Canterbury nightclub, between March 5th and 7th. Two staff members at the club have contracted the disease and remain stable in hospital, according to the club’s owner, Louise Jones-Roberts, who described a climate of “fear” and “anxiety” following the outbreak. Club Chemistry has closed until the situation is under control.
Dr. Anjan Ghosh, Kent County Council’s director of public health, stated that authorities are still investigating potential secondary transmission and are not yet able to definitively declare the outbreak contained. Two deaths have been confirmed: a 21-year-old university student and a sixth-form student at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham.
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