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Pharmacies are being "inundated" with requests and websites are crashing due to demand for the Meningitis B vaccine amid a fatal outbreak in Kent.
Some pharmacy staff have also reported "abuse and intimidation" from a number of patients, according to the Chair of the National Pharmacy Association – who described this behaviour as "absolutely unacceptable".
A number of highstreet pharmacy websites have also experienced multiple crashes and lengthy waits for users trying desperately to book slots for the jabs.
Boots warned of a "national shortage" and Superdrug reported an "unprecedented demand".
A waitlist has also been set up for those vying for a booking as stocks run increasingly low.
Two people have been confirmed dead from the disease, with 20 cases currently identified in total.
Five more cases were identified overnight, with the the spread has now been declared a national incident.
On Tuesday afternoon, a second Kent university, Christ Church University, confirmed a case in one of its students.
It comes as around 5,000 students in Kent university halls are set to be offered the meningitis B vaccine.
GPs across the country will be advised to prescribe antibiotics to anyone who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between March 5-7, the UKHSA confirmed on Wednesday.
On Tuesday it was revealed that nine-month-old baby girl from Folkestone was being treated for meningitis at the Evelina Children's Hospital in London after contracting the deadly illness.
Nala-Rose Fletcher's condition is understood to be stable, and she is vaccinated against the virus, with the strain contracted currently unknown.
Nala's case comes as the UK's battles its worst meningitis outbreak in a generation, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting branding the spread "unprecedented".
'Abuse and intimidation'
Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association said: "Pharmacies are being inundated by requests from concerned patients for MenB vaccination, which the vast majority of our members across the country have no stock currently available to fulfil.
"Most pharmacies provide MenB vaccinations as a small scale service, originally intended for patients who require it for travel or those who did not receive an NHS vaccine, and therefore do not carry significant amounts of excess stock.
"We have heard of some reports of abuse and intimidation aimed at pharmacy staff during this period from a small minority of patients, which is absolutely unacceptable.
"We understand that health officials may wish to preserve stock of vaccination for those most at need during this outbreak and pharmacies stand ready, to help in any potential NHS vaccination campaign.
"It's clear there are gaps in the original national vaccination strategy and we want to reach those in most need.
"We are awaiting clarification about any future plans for MenB vaccination.
Speaking on Tuesday, Health Secretary Wes Streeting attributed the cases to prolonged kissing and sharing of vapes in nightclubs frequented by university students.
On Monday, A-level student Juliette, whose parents requested that her surname not be reported, was confirmed to be one of those who died.
The 18-year-old pupil at a Faversham grammar school was described as "happy and caring" by her bereaved parents.
A 21-year-old student from the University of Kent was also killed by the disease but has not yet been publicly identified.
A number of those who have fallen ill have been placed into medically induced comas, LBC understands.
Boots have been approached by LBC for comment.
What are meningitis symptoms?
Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis can include:
Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all.
Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
Swipe through to find out what to look out for and more on when to get help.— NHS (@NHSuk) March 18, 2026
'Significant increase in demand'
In a statement, a spokesperson for Superdrug said: "At Superdrug, bookings at our nurse clinics for our meningitis service have continued to increase since last week.
"Unfortunately, due to a national shortage of the Meningitis B vaccine following a significant increase in demand, we’re currently experiencing supply shortages and a spike in booking activity.
"We are working urgently to secure more stock, and will notify patients when stock is available and they are able to book their appointments.
"Superdrug is committed to making essential healthcare as accessible as possible.
"Our Meningitis B vaccine price reflects the costs associated with administering a clinically safe and effective two-dose course, whilst maintaining the highest standards of care and service for our patients.”
