The Newshound

Health watchdogs warn of new meningitis outbreak as nearly 600,000 young people skip life-saving jab

From the Newshound archive · first published 2 October 2026.

Of 799,840 eligible young people in the UK, only 212,549 have received the Meningitis B vaccine against a strain that poses seven times greater risk to university freshers.
Of 799,840 eligible young people in the UK, only 212,549 have received the Meningitis B vaccine against a strain that poses seven times greater risk to university freshers.

The UK Health Security Agency has warned that 'similar outbreaks could occur again' as a one-off vaccination programme struggles to reach its target. University freshers face a risk SEVEN TIMES higher than non-students due to social mixing, yet take-up remains dangerously low.

The Kent outbreak, which began in March, was the largest and fastest-growing meningitis cluster seen in the UK.

Of 799,840 eligible young people, only 212,549 have been vaccinated — two doses are needed 28 days apart, bookable on the NHS website.

UKHSA consultant Dr Sharif Ismail warned that dangerous new strains can emerge 'suddenly and unpredictably', leaving survivors facing 'lifelong health consequences'.

MoreDaily Mail NewsNew meningitis outbreak fears as hundreds of thousands of youths ignore vaccination warningGB NewsMeningitis outbreak fears mount as millions of students start university classes this weekInYourAreaMeningitis jab uptake ‘too low’ as experts warn more outbreaks possible - InYourArea
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