Meningitis B outbreak in Kent

Posted by: Matt Noble - Posted on:

Updated: March 23rd

There is understable anxiety following the ongoing news of the Meningitis outbreak in Kent.

Latest information from from UKHSA is here.

Meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain, and is usually accompanied by septicaemia, an infection of the bloodstream. The particular outbreak in Kent is caused by a bacteria called Meningcoccus B (MenB).

What are the symptoms of Meningitis? Read more here.

How is Meningococcus B spread? Read more here.

Can I get a MenB vaccine?

The vaccine is recommended for babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at 1 year. If you have a young child who has not been vaccinated, or you are unsure of their vaccine history, please contact us to discuss.

Meningitis B vaccines are not currently offered on the NHS to anyone older than two years old unless you are in one of the groups below:

  • Students at the University of Kent who are normally resident on the Canterbury Campus, including those who may have now travelled home.
  • Students in relevant halls of residence or other private dwellings who attend other universities in Canterbury and have been advised by UKHSA to take an antibiotic due to a close contact.
  • Individuals who attended Club Chemistry from 5 March until it closed voluntarily on March 16.

If you are in one of these groups, please contact us for next steps, stating clearly which of these applies to you. If you are not in one of these groups, it is possible to pay to get the MenB vaccine privately from many Pharmacies.

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer this service to anyone outside of these groups at present. Please contact your local Pharmacy to enquire further.