Students returning from Kent universities advised to contact public health officials

Health officials in Jersey have released updated advice following a meningitis outbreak in Kent, urging certain islanders to come forward for support.

Public Health Jersey is asking students returning from universities in the county, as well as anyone who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 and 15 March, to get in touch with its immunisation team. The move is intended to ensure appropriate preventative steps can be taken and that individuals receive the latest medical guidance.

Those affected are being advised to make contact as soon as possible via phone or email.

The update follows confirmation from Jersey Primary Care Body that supplies of the meningitis B vaccine for older children are currently unavailable on the island. Individuals born before 2015 are unlikely to have been routinely vaccinated against this strain and would need to seek private treatment if required.

Officials said vaccine availability for infants covered under the standard immunisation programme remains stable, with sufficient stock in place. A further update on supplies is expected later this week.

The outbreak in Kent has now reached 34 confirmed cases, with more than 8,000 vaccinations administered in response.

Despite the situation, Public Health has stressed that the overall risk to Jersey and the surrounding region remains low.