Meningitis Outbreak

We continue to experience a high volumes of calls and emails in relation to the Meningitis outbreak in Kent and are working hard to get back to any queries as soon as possible.

What’s happening?

There is a meningococcal disease outbreak in Kent,
UKHSA is working to contain the outbreak and is giving prophylaxis antibiotics to close contacts.

Who decides vaccine recommendations?

All vaccine recommendations in the UK are monitored and decided by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
The JCVI reviews all cases of vaccine-preventable disease, national data, and emerging risks.
MenB vaccine is given to children aged 8 weeks, 12 week and 12 months. Catchup immunisations for MenB can be given up to 2 years of age only.
There are no plans to offer the MenB vaccine outside of the routine infant schedule other than to students in Kent Universities and anyone who was at the Club Chemistry, Canterbury nightclub which is at the centre of the meningitis outbreak.

What protection should my secondary-aged child already have?

Children receive Hib-MenC at 1 year of age, which provides early protection.
In Year 9, young people are offered the MenACWY vaccine.
MenACWY provides protection during the later school years and into college/ university where risk is high.
This means most secondary children already have strong protection against the meningococcal strains of greatest concern in teens and young adults.

Check Your Child’s Vaccine History

You can check your child’s vaccination record by:

Looking in your child’s Red Book
Using your online access to Eastfield House Surgery
Using the NHS App: Access your NHS account
If your child is secondary school age, you can contact the Immunisation Team: West Berkshire: westschoolimms@berkshire.nhs.uk