A meningitis outbreak in Kent has led to two deaths as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirms 13 cases from Friday to Sunday in the Canterbury area.
The UKHSA has told more than 30,000 people in the area to look out for symptoms including rash, fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, and muscle pain.
There are currently two meningitis vaccines available in the UK, for babies and teenagers, but the MenB jab is not available to teenagers.
Dr Leyla Hannbeck, CEO of the Independent Pharmacies Association, urged: “While most young children will have had the MenB vaccine, as part of childhood immunization since 2015, many teenagers and young adults will not have this vital protection.
“The NHS needs to urgently commission pharmacies to deliver an immediate catch-up program targeted at university students and teenagers born before 2015.”
Former public health minister Ashley Dalton urged “all parents and guardians to ensure their children are up to date with their meningitis vaccinations as well as those eligible.”
Dr Simon Clarke, associate professor of cellular microbiology at the University of Reading, says vaccines remain the “best protection” for meningitis.