Students at the University of Kent were denied the meningitis vaccine as officials closed the queue due to capacity issues. The closure occurred on Thursday afternoon at the Canterbury campus, preventing around 100 people from getting the jab.

A university spokesperson, in a Facebook post on the same day, mentioned that the queue closure was necessary because nursing staff could not accommodate more people within the clinic’s remaining opening hours. The team had been working diligently to vaccinate as many individuals as possible as confirmed and suspected meningitis cases rose to 27.

Patients had been waiting up to 90 minutes for the vaccine at a sports center on the university campus before the queue shut down at 3pm due to insufficient staff. NHS England reported over 2,000 vaccines administered, with 630 given on Wednesday.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting praised the swift response of the NHS team and the university’s support. He highlighted the effective vaccination campaign and low risk of the outbreak, expressing pride in the team’s efforts.

Two new vaccination centers are set to open the following day in Faversham and at the Vicarage Lane Clinic in Ashford, in addition to the existing site at the University of Kent.

The meningitis outbreak has claimed the lives of two young individuals, including a University of Kent student. The number of cases is expected to increase due to the infection’s incubation period.

Students receiving the vaccine shared their experiences, with concerns and awareness growing among the university community about the seriousness of meningitis. The UK Health Security Agency expanded vaccine eligibility to all university students and other relevant groups, aiming to contain the outbreak.

Businesses in Canterbury have reported significant losses due to reduced footfall amid the outbreak, impacting tourism and local economy. However, MP Rosie Duffield reassured the public that the city is open for business and urged people to support local establishments.

As public anxiety eases, Duffield emphasized the importance of resuming normal activities and enjoying what Canterbury has to offer. She encouraged the community to patronize businesses and help revitalize the local economy, likening the situation to being cautious but optimistic amid challenges.