What is meningitis B and why are young people at risk?

Health officials have confirmed that meningitis B is the strain identified in some cases in Kent after two young people died. But what is it? Here we look at the latest advice...

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It launched a new campaign - No Plan B for men B - calling for men B jabs to be given to those most at risk plus a booster programme to protect adolescents from 2030.

The charity also says men B jabs should be available on the high street 'at a fair price'.

The jab is available privately, costing about £110 per dose, with a minimum of two doses required.

WHY ARE YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK?

According to Meningitis Now, one in four 15 to 19-year-olds carry meningococcal bacteria in the back of their throats, compared with one in 10 of the UK population.

People can carry this harmlessly without becoming unwell but it can be passed from person to person by coughing, sneezing and kissing.

Increased social interaction in this age group means the bacteria can be passed on more easily.

In universities, students can be more vulnerable because of living in more 'cramped' housing.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?