Amid an ongoing outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent, England, GSK has said it is ready to work with UK health authorities to widen its meningitis vaccine’s slot on the country’s immunisation schedule, if needed.
The drugmaker’s MenB vaccine, known under the brand name Bexsero, is currently on the UK schedule for infants only. It has been used in the UK’s routine immunisation programme for babies since 2015. However, this means many people, including teenagers born before this date, are not protected unless they obtained the vaccine privately.
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An ongoing outbreak of meningococcal disease at a university in Kent has meant the government is evaluating the vaccine’s broader use. Two people have died as a result of the outbreak, with 20 potential cases. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that a targeted vaccination programme will begin, starting with students residing at the University of Kent. Health secretary Wes Streeting said in the House of Commons that he would ask government advisers to consider expanding the existing schedule to age groups beyond infants, such as teenagers.
A GSK spokesperson told Pharmaceutical Technology: “We are ready to engage with any proposals from UK health authorities regarding the broader use of MenB vaccination/Bexsero, to address the current outbreak in Kent. The details of any such proposals are not yet established and so we cannot comment further at this stage.”
Meningococcal disease is caused by invasive infection with the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. The bacteria are transmitted by exhaled droplets or by direct contact with the respiratory secretions of an infected individual. Teenage groups, such as students, are at higher risk of infection because of social culture and group-living arrangements.
The MenB vaccine, administered via two doses, has been on the UK routine immunisation programme for babies since 2015 and has led to a 75% reduction in infections for vaccinated groups. Bexsero has been designed to offer broad coverage against most MenB strains causing meningococcal disease, though it cannot offer complete protection, given that new mutations arise.
Antibiotics remain the most effective treatment to limit the spread of invasive meningococcal disease. The UKHSA said that over 2,500 doses have been given to students, along with their close contacts, in the Kent area.
Commenting on the ongoing outbreak, the UKHSA’s chief, Susan Hopkins, said: “This looks like a superspreader event, with ongoing spread within the halls of residents in the universities.”
Private sector’s diminishing supply
GSK’s MenB vaccine has also been available privately since the jab’s original approval in 2013. Both private surgeries and pharmacies have reported a surge in demand for the vaccine since the outbreak in Kent.
A GP at a private surgery in London, who wished to remain anonymous, told Pharmaceutical Technology: “We’re being inundated with calls. All our vaccine supplies are now used up and we can’t get any more.”
The surgery said it received an alert from its medical supplier, stating: “We have sold out of Bexsero vaccines. Currently, we don’t know when we will be able to get more as priority is given to the NHS.”
Meanwhile, high-street pharmacy chain Superdrug reported a 65-fold increase in booking demand for the vaccine.
“There is currently a national shortage of the Meningitis B vaccine, and stock is limited. We are working with suppliers to secure more doses,” the company said in a statement.
