Bexsero Vaccine Confirmed Effective Against Southeast England Meningitis Strain

The UKHSA confirms the Bexsero vaccine protects against the ST-41/44 meningitis strain responsible for the Kent outbreak as vaccination efforts scale up to contain the spread.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 21, 2026, 10:48 AM EDT

Source: Reuters

Outbreak Status and Response

Health authorities have launched a massive mobilization effort to vaccinate at-risk populations, primarily students at the University of Kent and surrounding areas.

Vaccination Progress: 2,360 people have received vaccinations, and nearly 10,000 courses of preventative antibiotics have been administered.

The Strain (ST-41/44): This group of meningococci has been circulating in the UK for several years, which allowed for rapid laboratory confirmation of vaccine coverage.

Geographical Reach: While concentrated in Kent, Public Health Director Anjan Ghosh warned of "sporadic household cases" appearing outside the county.

Market and Policy Impact