Free NHS meningitis jab available for some teenagers – what you need to know

The meningitis outbreak that happened in Kent in March has been described as unprecedented and explosive.

Within weeks, in Kent, there were 29 confirmed or suspected cases and two deaths.

That’s why the new, one-off campaign is being launched – to help protect those at greatest risk and hopefully prevent something like this from happening again.

Students in their first year of university have a risk that is about seven times higher than that of young people of a similar age who do not go to university, says NHS England.

Meningitis infections can be spread through close contact – for example through kissing, sharing vapes and drinks or living in close quarters with a person with the bug.

UK health officials say the risk to 18-year-olds or those entering university or a residential college for the first time is higher because of increased mixing of social groups and shared accommodation.