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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
Routine Vaccines to Stay Protected
Make sure your child is up to date with:
- MenACWY (Year 9)
- Td/IPV booster (Year 9)
NHS vaccinations and when to have them
Know the Symptoms of Meningitis
Seek urgent medical help if you notice:
- Rash that doesn’t fade with pressure
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Vomiting
- Cold hands or feet
- Confusion
Reduce the Risk
- Wash hands regularly
- Don’t share drinks, vapes, or cigarettes
If you have any enquiries about the outbreak, please contact Health Protection Team on 0344 225 3861 for advice.
Meningitis Outbreak
Background
Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus), is commonly found in the nose and throat of healthy individuals. Around 10% of the population are harmlessly colonised with these bacteria in their nasopharynx, with this increasing to approximately 25% of teenagers and young adults, due to the nature of their interactions with a range of individuals at higher education settings. Neisseria meningitidis has many subgroups of which six (A, B, C, W135, X, and Y) account for most disease cases identified worldwide, with the investigation in Kent confirming that some of the cases have identified Men B as the cause of disease.
Meningococcal Disease remains at low levels across the country and that the outbreak is an unusual and localised to Kent.
Transmission
Neisseria meningitidis is transmitted from person to person by inhaling respiratory secretions from the mouth and throat or by direct contact (kissing). Close and prolonged contact is usually needed for transmission.
Vaccination
As Primary Care colleagues you are aware that Men B vaccine is offered to infants during their first year of life, with Men ACWY offered to school aged children.
There are a number of reasons as to why Men B is not offered to school aged children and young adults entering university, however “Given the severity of the situation, a small targeted vaccination programme will begin starting with students resident at Canterbury Campus Halls of Residence at the University of Kent in the coming days.
The vaccination programme may be expanded further as UKHSA continues to assess any ongoing risk to other populations. For now, the priority remains for those offered antibiotics to come forward as this is highly effective at preventing the disease and transmission.”
Children remain eligible to receive Bexsero vaccine on the routine immunisation schedule until they reach 2 years of age.
MenB vaccine is not indicated for children after their second birthday unless they are in a risk group
Routine vaccinations for children
Vaccines for babies under 1 year old
8 weeks
- 6-in-1 vaccine (1st dose)
- Rotavirus vaccine (1st dose)
- MenB vaccine (1st dose)
12 weeks
- 6-in-1 vaccine (2nd dose)
- MenB vaccine (2nd dose)
- Rotavirus vaccine (2nd dose)
16 weeks
- 6-in-1 vaccine (3rd dose)
- Pneumococcal vaccine (1st dose)
Vaccines for children aged 1 to 15 years
1 year
- MMRV vaccine (1st dose for children born on or after 1 January 2025)
- Pneumococcal vaccine (2nd dose)
- MenB vaccine (3rd dose)
1 year and 6 months (18 months)
- 6-in-1 vaccine (4th dose for children born on or after 1 July 2024)
- MMRV vaccine (1st or 2nd dose for children born on or after 1 July 2024)
2 to 15 years
- Children's flu vaccine (every year until children finish Year 11 of secondary school)
3 years and 4 months
- 4-in-1 pre-school booster vaccine
- MMRV vaccine (1st or 2nd dose for children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 December 2024)
12 to 13 years
- HPV vaccine
14 years
- Td/IPV vaccine (3-in-1 teenage booster)
- MenACWY vaccine
If your child is not within these eligible cohorts, the vaccine can be provided via private providers, as changes have not been made to the current schedule.
The MenACWY vaccine, which is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years, provides good protection against several strains of meningococcal disease. However, it does not protect against MenB.
The MenACWY vaccine is available to children in Year 9 or 10 of secondary school up to their 25th birthday.
19th March 2026
Published: Mar 19, 2026
