Key Points
- Hackney has England’s lowest MenB vaccination rate at just 61.3% for infants, meaning around two in five children in the borough remain unprotected against the disease.
- Hackney Council confirms it has not been notified of any Meningitis B (MenB) cases in the borough as of March 23, 2026.
- The fatal MenB outbreak originated in Kent on March 11, 2026, believed to have started at a nightclub in Canterbury, with 20-23 confirmed cases, two deaths, and links to young adults and students at the University of Kent.
- The outbreak reached London last week, with one confirmed case directly linked to Kent; no deaths in London and no new cases in the city in the last 24 hours as of March 23, 2026, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
- None of London’s 32 boroughs have reached the World Health Organization (WHO) target of 95% infant vaccination coverage for herd immunity against MenB.
- Parents in Hackney expressed mixed views: some like Claudia Sousa are “very concerned” and have vaccinated their children, while Andrew Baldock is “not overly concerned”; others, including one unnamed parent “stressed out” and Maggie Bell (pseudonym) “scared” due to unvaccinated children.
- Hackney’s Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, Cllr Chris Kennedy, stated the council has followed UKHSA guidance to raise awareness in schools, colleges, and universities, and is encouraging vaccinations.
- Low uptake in Hackney attributed to concerns over side effects, doubts on vaccine effectiveness, and low perceived personal risk, per Hackney Council.
- The UK introduced routine MenB vaccination for infants in 2015, the first country worldwide; not free on NHS for those born before July 1, 2015, unless medically at risk.
- UKHSA’s Trish Mannes emphasised awareness of symptoms and prompt antibiotics, noting the vaccine does not cover all strains and takes time to work.
- One victim, Juliette Kenny, died on March 14, 2026, after showing symptoms; her father calls for better MenB vaccine access for teenagers and young people.
- National MenB coverage for one-year-olds rose slightly to 91% in 2024/25, but varies widely, with Hackney at the bottom.
Hackney (East London Times) March 25, 2026 – Hackney records England’s lowest Meningitis B (MenB) vaccination rate, with only 61.3% of infants protected, leaving two in five children vulnerable amid a deadly outbreak in neighbouring Kent that has spilled over to London. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed one case in the capital directly linked to Kent’s cluster of 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, but no new London cases in the last 24 hours as of March 23 and no fatalities here. Hackney Council reports zero MenB cases in the borough, yet experts warn of gaps in vaccine coverage falling short of the WHO’s 95% herd immunity threshold across all London boroughs.
What Triggered the Kent MenB Outbreak?
The outbreak began on March 11, 2026, in Kent, believed to have started at Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury between March 5-7, affecting young adults and students, including those at the University of Kent.
As reported by UKHSA in their technical briefing, as of March 23, 2026, there were 23 confirmed and probable cases linked to the outbreak, with two deaths (case fatality rate of 8.7%), and 17 of 20 confirmed cases matching the MenB subtype P1.12-1,16-183. UKHSA notified 20 confirmed and two probable cases by March 24, all MenB, with authorities urging around 5,000 students for MenB vaccines and preventative antibiotics.
One tragic case involved Juliette Kenny, who died on March 14, 2026, a day after showing vomiting and cheek discolouration, as revealed by her father, who is now calling for urgent improvements in MenB vaccination access for teenagers and young people. The cluster has been described as “explosive,” with cases traced to nightclub exposure, prompting UKHSA’s Trish Mannes, regional deputy director for the South East, to stress:
“It is hugely important that people are aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis B and still come forward for antibiotics if they believe they could be at risk.”
She added:
“Although two doses of the vaccine offers protection against MenB, it does not protect against all strains and can take time to work. If you have been offered preventative antibiotics, it is strongly recommended that you take them promptly.”
UKHSA also noted one baby with confirmed MenB not linked to the main outbreak, under investigation.
How Has the Outbreak Reached London?
The Kent outbreak extended to London last week, with one individual who resided in Kent presenting at a London hospital, but no community contacts in the city.
As of Monday, March 23, 2026, UKHSA confirmed no new cases in London in the last 24 hours, and nobody has died from the recent outbreak here, with only the single linked case recorded. Experts maintain the risk of wider spread remains low, but the incident has intensified scrutiny on MenB vaccine gaps nationally.
MyLondon reported on the latest UKHSA update, linking it directly to Kent, while Hackney Citizen detailed the local implications. UKHSA continues leading the response in collaboration with the NHS and local authorities across London.
Why Does Hackney Have the Lowest MenB Vaccination Rate?
Government health data analysis reveals Hackney’s infant MenB jab rate at a stark 61.3%, the lowest in England, far below the national average of around 91% for one-year-olds in 2024/25 and the WHO’s 95% target. No London borough meets the herd immunity threshold, but Hackney stands out with two in five children unprotected.
Hackney Council attributes this to multiple factors, including concerns about potential side effects, doubts over jab effectiveness, and residents not perceiving themselves at risk.
The council is working with communities and partners to boost access, provide trusted information, and tailor services. Nationally, Professor Paul Hunter of the University of East Anglia told The Independent that low coverage in areas like Hackney stems from language barriers, cultural differences, and apprehension towards authorities.
The UK pioneered routine MenB vaccinations for infants in 2015, but those born before July 1, 2015, must pay unless medically at risk.
What Are Hackney Parents Saying About the Risk?
Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) journalists spoke to parents outside Jubilee Primary School in north Hackney, revealing divided opinions. Claudia Sousa, mother of a nine-year-old and 12-year-old both vaccinated before a Brazil trip, said she was “very concerned” about others at the school:
“It’s a very dangerous disease.”
She confirmed receiving a school newsletter on actions amid national cases.
An unnamed parent was “stressed out” and anxious even discussing it. Maggie Bell (pseudonym) was “scared” for her unvaccinated eldest child, noting she received no school information on the outbreak.
Conversely, parent Andrew Baldock, whose daughter Ivy is in Year 4 at Jubilee Primary, remained relaxed:
“I don’t hear too much about it and I’m not overly concerned about it.”
He added:
“[The school] told us they were monitoring the situation but there was nothing to worry about,”
and was confident his children had the jab. Schools like Jubilee are advising parents per UKHSA guidance.
What Is Hackney Council Doing in Response?
Hackney Council confirms no MenB cases notified in the borough. As reported by LDRS in Hackney Citizen, Cabinet Member Cllr Chris Kennedy stated:
“Since becoming aware of the outbreak in Kent, we have followed UKHSA guidance to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms in schools, colleges and universities. We are continuing to encourage residents to get up to date with vaccinations that prevent meningitis.”
Vaccine programmes operate via GP practices and school-based initiatives. The council is raising awareness and promoting uptake.
What Are the Symptoms and Next Steps?
Meningitis progresses rapidly; symptoms include fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting, cold hands/feet, and a non-fading rash under glass pressure. Early signs mimic flu or hangovers, risking delays especially among students.
Seek immediate help via GP, NHS 111, or 999. UKHSA urges vigilance.
