Meningitis: what you need to know now!

UKHSA is responding to a localised outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease in Kent, with public‑health actions focused on students and identified contacts. Some cases are confirmed as meningitis B (MenB). UKHSA has started targeted vaccination for students in halls at the University of Kent and continues to provide antibiotics to close contacts. Officials emphasise there’s no evidence of wider spread beyond Kent at present.

Who should have meningitis vaccines?

Babies (MenB): MenB is part of the routine infant schedule at 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 1 year. If your child has missed a dose, please contact us for a catch‑up appointment. Young children who have missed one or more dose of the MenB vaccine can have this free of charge before their second birthday. (There is no NHS catch up programme for the MenB vaccine for children born before 1 May 2015.)

Adults (MenB): Please note if you do not fit into the below 3 categories, we cannot offer you the vaccine at present.

• University of Kent students (including those now at home)
• Close contacts given antibiotics
• Individuals linked to exposure settings

Teenagers & under‑25s (MenACWY): MenACWY protects against groups A, C, W and Y and is offered at school (Year 9). If you missed it, you remain eligible up to your 25th birthday—especially important if you’re starting college or university.

Why this matters now: MenB is currently the most common cause of invasive meningococcal disease, and UKHSA has urged families and young people to catch up on routine vaccines as uptake has fallen since the pandemic.

Symptoms – act fast

Meningitis and septicaemia can deteriorate rapidly. Call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency if you notice:

Fever, severe headache, vomiting, drowsiness, rapid breathing, cold hands/feet;

Confusion, seizures, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights;

Rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass (late sign—don’t wait for a rash).

What we’re asking patients to do

Parents/carers: Check your child’s Red Book or NHS App – book any missed MenB doses.

Young people (13–25): If you didn’t have your MenACWY at school, book a catch‑up – especially if living in shared housing or starting college/university.

Everyone: Be alert to the symptoms above and seek help promptly.

Booking and questions

Book now: NHS App or contact reception for vaccine appointments and catch‑ups.

Eligibility: We follow NHS and UKHSA guidance on routine and catch‑up vaccinations. If you’re unsure what you’ve had, we can check your record.

NOTE: We are not currently offering the Meningitis B vaccine as a precautionary measure (this may change if NHS England or UKHSA advise otherwise)

Can people have the MenB vaccine privately: The MenB vaccine can be accessed privately through high street pharmacies, private GP providers and travel clinics. For those aged over 2 years, the vaccination course consists of 2 doses.