Meningitis B outbreak in Kent

Posted by: Matt Noble - Posted on:

There is understable anxiety following the news of a tragic Meningitis outbreak in Kent this week.

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, but there are also other strains including types A, C, W and Y.

What are the symptoms of Meningitis? 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, you should contact your GP to discuss getting this booked in. Meningitis B vaccines are not currently offered on the NHS to anyone older than two years old at present.

It is possible to pay to get the MenB vaccine privately from many Pharmacies. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer this service at present. Please contact your local Pharmacy to enquire further.