Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Meningitis Outbreak: What Is MenB Vaccine?

<span>Meningitis</span> outbreak has led to death of two people, one of them being a student of Kent University. Students have also been urged to get vaccines and take antibiotics. Health and Me also reported on the outbreak and how this has led to panic among parents who are seeking for <span>meningitis B</span> or menB vaccine. 5,000 students in the university halls in Kent will be offered the menB vaccine in the coming days. 

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/meningitis-outbreak-from-kent-university-is-now-a-national-incident-parents-fighting-for-jabs-amid-low-stock-article-153860180" data-type="tilCustomLink">Meningitis Outbreak From Kent University Is Now A National Incident, Parents Fighting For Jabs Amid Low Stock</a>

<h2><span rel="noindex">What Is MenB Vaccine</span>?</h2>

London School of Hygiene &amp; Tropical Medicine noted that over a dozen people are seriously unwell in hospital and two people have died from an outbreak of meningitis in the UK. As per the UK Health Security Agency, illness may have spread during an event attended by students in Kent. Four cases have been confirmed to be meningitis B through laboratory testing. 

As per NHS UK, menB vaccine offers protection against meningococcal group B bacteria, which is identified to be the strain that has infected people. The vaccine is recommended for babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at 1 year. 

Read: Kent <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/kent-uni-meningitis-outbreak-caused-by-less-targeted-strain-b-article-153854079" data-type="tilCustomLink">Uni Meningitis Outbreak Caused By Less-Targeted Strain B</a>

As per the University of Oxford, MenB vaccine is given to babies at 8 weeks, 16 weeks, and one year of age.

General Practitioner surgery or clinic also send an appointment for babies to have their MenB vaccination along with their other routine vaccinations. 

Additional doses of the vaccine are recommended for people with some long-term health conditions who are at greater risk of more severe meningococcal disease. This includes people with:

<ul><li>asplenia or splenic dysfunction (a spleen that is missing or does not work properly)</li><li>sickle cell anaemia</li><li>coeliac disease</li><li>complement disorders (the complement system is an important part of the immune system, and disorders of this system can increase a person’s risk to some diseases.)</li></ul>

The University of Oxford noted that from August 2025, the MenB vaccine has been offered primarily to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, in a targeted programme to prevent cases of gonorrhoea. This is because these groups of people are at higher risk of acquiring gonorrhoea. 

Neisseria meningitidis is most commonly found living in the throat. It is spread between people through close contact with secretions from the mouth or airway and usually requires close or prolonged contact between people for the bacteria to be transmitted.

<ul><li>Headaches</li><li>Neck stiffness</li><li>Fever</li><li>Drowsiness</li><li>Nausea or vomiting</li><li>Increased sensitivity to light</li></ul>

Some meningitis infections can also cause a rash that does not disappear with pressure. However they may not be always visible in the early stages.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

meningitis

what is menB vaccine

meningitis b

meningitis b uk

meningitis b vaccine

what is meningitis b vaccine

meningitis b kent

health and wellness

men b kent

health news UK

Physical inactivity due to climate change to lead to 700,000 additional deaths by 2050: The Lancet

Meningitis Outbreak: How to Differentiate The Symptoms From a Common Rash

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Meningitis outbreak has led to death of two people, one of them being a student of Kent University. Students have also been urged to get vaccines and take antibiotics. Health and Me also reported on the outbreak and how this has led to panic among parents who are seeking for meningitis B or menB vaccine. 5,000 students in the university halls in Kent will be offered the menB vaccine in the coming days. Read: Meningitis Outbreak From Kent University Is Now A National Incident, Parents Fighting For Jabs Amid Low StockWhat Is MenB Vaccine?London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine noted that over a dozen people are seriously unwell in hospital and two people have died from an outbreak of meningitis in the UK. As per the UK Health Security Agency, illness may have spread during an event attended by students in Kent. Four cases have been confirmed to be meningitis B through laboratory testing. As per NHS UK, menB vaccine offers protection against meningococcal group B bacteria, which is identified to be the strain that has infected people. The vaccine is recommended for babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at 1 year. Read: Kent Uni Meningitis Outbreak Caused By Less-Targeted Strain BWho Should Get MenB Vaccine?As per the University of Oxford, MenB vaccine is given to babies at 8 weeks, 16 weeks, and one year of age.General Practitioner surgery or clinic also send an appointment for babies to have their MenB vaccination along with their other routine vaccinations. Additional doses of the vaccine are recommended for people with some long-term health conditions who are at greater risk of more severe meningococcal disease. This includes people with:asplenia or splenic dysfunction (a spleen that is missing or does not work properly)sickle cell anaemiacoeliac diseasecomplement disorders (the complement system is an important part of the immune system, and disorders of this system can increase a person’s risk to some diseases.)The University of Oxford noted that from August 2025, the MenB vaccine has been offered primarily to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, in a targeted programme to prevent cases of gonorrhoea. This is because these groups of people are at higher risk of acquiring gonorrhoea. How Does Meningitis B Spread?Neisseria meningitidis is most commonly found living in the throat. It is spread between people through close contact with secretions from the mouth or airway and usually requires close or prolonged contact between people for the bacteria to be transmitted.Common Symptoms Of MeningitisHeadachesNeck stiffnessFeverDrowsinessNausea or vomitingIncreased sensitivity to lightSome meningitis infections can also cause a rash that does not disappear with pressure. However they may not be always visible in the early stages.