This is a regional public health matter and not specific to the University. The response is being led by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and we are working with them and partners as the situation unfolds. Up-to-date information and guidance from the UKHSA is available here.
The following is the latest statement from Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, Acting Vice Chancellor on 20 March.
This has been a difficult time, and my thoughts remain with those grieving and unwell, and we are grateful to everyone who is caring for them.
I hope we can take some comfort from the speed and effectiveness of the clinical response. This has included the rapid rollout of precautionary antibiotics and the establishment of vaccination clinics for our students and staff. So far, the incredible NHS team have delivered over 2,500 vaccinations, with thousands more set to be delivered over the weekend and hopefully into next week.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all colleagues who have gone above and beyond this week, particularly those supporting the vaccination and antibiotic treatment centres, as well as those continuing to support students through what has been an anxious and uncertain period.
Following UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance, there remains no public health reason to suspend normal University activity, and while our students are now on Easter break, we hope to begin to return to more usual ways of working.
Public health advice remains that meningitis is spread through close and prolonged contact, and those most at risk continue to be contacted directly by experts at UKHSA. We encourage everyone to stay up to date with the latest UKHSA information and NHS advice.
Former statement shared at 20:30, 18 March
Earlier on Wednesday 18 March, in partnership with the UKSHA, the University of Kent started rolling out the first targeted Meningitis B vaccination programme to all students living on our Canterbury campus. At the end of the first day of vaccines, we wanted to provide a short update of the current situation.
Six hundred vaccines were administered to students on the University of Kent campus today, students will need to return for a second dose in a minimum of 4 weeks’ time.
The vaccine centre will open again Thursday 19 March from 9am.
Alongside the vaccines, so far over 6,500 precautionary antibiotics have been given out as a precaution.
At the moment, the vaccine is only for University of Kent students living in accommodation on the Canterbury campus.
Any plans to expand this pilot will be confirmed by the UKHSA. This is a regional outbreak – and not University-specific. If the evidence suggests that it would help our wider community, we would like to see the eligibility criteria widened.
Any students living in Canterbury campus halls of resident who have already returned home, arrangements are currently being developed to ensure that they receive the vaccines nearer to home - further information on this will be provided in due course and at the guidance of the UKHSA.
Former statement shared on 18 March
Former statement shared on 16 March
‘We recognise that this is a very sad and worrying time for our community and we are doing everything we can to offer advice and support.
This is a regional public health matter and not specific to the University. The response is being led by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and we are working with them and partners as the situation unfolds.
Known contacts of existing cases in our community have been contacted and advised on next steps. Students impacted are being offered antibiotic treatment on our Canterbury campus.
We have contacted all our students and staff to ensure they have all the latest advice and support they need, and we will continue to update via email and social media.
As a further precautionary measure there will be no in person assessments or exams this week – students have been contacted directly with details on alternative arrangements.
We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.’
More information and guidance from the UKHSA is available here.