A university outbreak puts meningitis B back in the spotlight

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), twenty-one cases of invasive meningococcal B disease have been linked to Kent University during March 2026. There have been two deaths.

All cases have been epidemiologically linked to a night club frequented by university students either directly or through the wider university or campus residency. The first case was notified on 9 March 2026.

More than 13,000 contacts have received antibiotic prophylaxis since the outbreak was first identified and over 10,000 individuals vaccinated. It is likely the peak has passed.

Updates for the outbreak can be viewed at the UKHSA's Invasive meningococcal disease statistical releases.

Lessons from the UK vaccination program

The Meningococcal B vaccine has been available in the UK as a routine childhood immunisation since 2015. It is given as a course of 3 doses starting at 8 weeks of age. (2, 3, and 12 months). The UK was the first country in the world to include meningitis B in its childhood immunization program.

The meningitis B vaccine was first registered for use in Europe, including the UK in 2013. It was only available as a private vaccine initially. At the time it was not seen by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) as a suitable universal vaccine as there was no evidence it provided lower carriage rates of the bacteria in the wider population. This made it less cost effective.

The meningitis ACYW conjugate vaccine does reduce carriage rates. This vaccine was also introduced as a childhood immunization in 2015. It was started as a school catch up program for teenagers aged 13 to 15 years. For a short period, it was also offered to those up to 25 years if they had missed their school vaccine. Highest carriage rates are observed in the adolescent population.

The meningitis C vaccine program was started in the UK in 1999. It resulted in a significant reduction in cases. It is no longer included in the childhood program as it is believed the adolescent program will sustain the low levels of transmission in the community.

There has been a large drop in invasive meningococcal disease in England since 2000 (2,595 to 205 cases).

What is invasive meningococcal disease (IMD)?

IMD is a bacterial infection which can cause serious health issues including septicaemia, meningitis, heart disease and arthritis. The bacteria colonises the upper respiratory tract before spreading to other sites. This is why it is called invasive. We don't know why it can remain asymptomatic in some people and be invasive in others. For a deeper explanation, see our earlier piece on what invasive meningococcal disease is.

IMD is not a common disease, but it can have serious consequences. About 10% will die and 10-20% will have a lifelong disability. There are 12 serotypes with 5 causing the majority of IMD cases (A, B, C, W, and Y). A 6th serotype, X, has been reported in outbreaks in Africa.

Invasive Meningitis is a notifiable disease in Australia.

There have been 112 notifications in the 12 months to March 1, 2026. Globally, IMD continues to surface in clusters: suspected cases were recently reported in Northern Ghana.

How is invasive meningococcal disease prevented in Australia?

Vaccination is the key to reducing IMD. This has been an evolving strategy in Australia. The vaccines of today are vastly different to those available in 2000.

The National Immunisation Program (NIP) has been responsive as more effective vaccines became available.

• 2003: Meningococcal C conjugate vaccine recommended and funded for all children at 12 months of age.
• 2017: Meningitis ACYW conjugate vaccine available through State based programs for children at 12 months.
• 2020: Meningitis B funded for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under 12 months and people of all ages with a poorly functioning spleen or no spleen or using a particular medication called eculizumab.

Where do we stand now?

The Meningitis ACYW conjugate vaccine is funded through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for all adolescents aged 15-19 years. It started in April 2019. It was provided under State based programs prior to that date.

It is also available to all infants at 12 months of age as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Australia differs to the UK in this respect.

Meningitis B is currently provided under some state-based programs in the first year of life (SA, QLD, NT). Unlike the UK, it is not universally available to all children in the first year of life.

It is available under the NIP for certain medical conditions.

The National Centre for Immunisation and Research (NCIRS) provides a comprehensive list of FAQs to help you understand the Australian Immunisation Program for Meningitis. It covers those who are eligible to receive a free Men B under the NIP: Meningococcal vaccines – frequently asked questions (FAQs).

The meningitis B vaccine (Bexsero) is also available in Australia in the private market.

It is possible we will see changes to the National Immunisation Program in the future.

Concerned about meningitis B? Talk to a travel doctor

If you're heading overseas, particularly to study, live in shared accommodation, or travel through regions where meningococcal disease is more common, it's worth discussing your vaccination status with a travel medicine doctor. The same applies if you have a child or family member in an age group or state where Men B isn't routinely funded. Our doctors can review your history, explain what's available privately and arrange vaccination where appropriate.

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State and territory immunisation schedules can be viewed at: National Immunisation Program Schedule.