Meningitis outbreak rises to 34 as over 400 ‘masked’ folks queue for vaccine

The number of cases linked to the meningitis outbreak in Kent has risen to 34, up from 29 previously, as hundreds of students queued for a third day to get vaccinated.

Some 23 cases have been confirmed alongside a further 11 cases that “remain under investigation”, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said in an update on Saturday morning.

The latest figures come as more than 400 people, students and others eligible, lined up outside the University of Kent campus clinic for meningitis jabs at the start of the weekend.

The Canterbury site opened at 9am, with students close to the front saying they had been waiting since 7am, and one reportedly claiming to have waited since closer to 5am.

The long, winding queue is mostly made up of young people wearing masks and big coats in preparation for a long wait.

NHS Kent and Medway said 5,794 vaccines had been administered, and 11,010 antibiotics handed out, in Kent as of Friday evening (March 20).

Students in the queue to receive the meningitis B vaccine at the Canterbury campus clinic have stressed the importance of protecting themselves and others.

Maria, who studies drama and theatre, said “I think all of us are quite worried at the moment” to nods of approval from her friends standing close by.

The 22-year-old said: “I think it’s important to make sure we protect ourselves because obviously there’s been some deaths and people in hospital. I think all of us are quite worried at the moment so it’s better that we all get it.”

Another student, Bradley, 20, who studies sport and exercise science, said he had been waiting since before the clinic opened this morning.

He said: “I’m just getting the vaccine, getting it done. Trying to protect myself and people around me.

“I think it’s very important that we all get it done as soon as possible.”

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