Meningitis B Outbreak Update

Updated on March 18th, 2026

Advice for Contacts

We are currently receiving a high volume of enquiries regarding the reported meningococcal (Men B) outbreak in Kent.
Unless you have been specifically told to contact us regarding this by 111 please DO NOT – This is putting additional strain on our systems.
Public health authorities, including the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), are managing this situation.
Individuals who require preventative antibiotics have already been directly contacted. This specifically relates to:
• All students who live on Canterbury campus
• All staff who live or work in affected Halls of Residence
• Anyone who attended Club Chemistry on 5th, 6th and 7th March
• Close contacts who have been identified by UKHSA
If you have not been contacted by UKHSA, you do not need antibiotics in relation to this incident.
If you develop symptoms suggestive of meningitis (such as fever, headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, vomiting, or a rash), please seek urgent medical advice by calling NHS 111 or attending A&E.
We kindly ask patients to avoid contacting the practice unless they have symptoms or have been specifically advised to do so, to help us keep lines open for those who need urgent care.

Meningitis B Vaccination

We have received an increased number of enquiries regarding the Men B vaccine following the outbreak. The MenB vaccine is routinely offered at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 1 year of age as per NHS schedule.

If any of these doses have been missed, the vaccine can be given up to 2 years of age. We are unable to offer the MenB vaccine to individuals outside of this eligibility.

You can view the NHS vaccine schedule using the link below. NHS vaccinations and when to have them – NHS

Am I protected from Men B by childhood vaccines?

The MenB vaccine was added to the NHS immunisation schedule for infants in 2015, providing protection for babies and young children in the UK. It is separate from the MenACWY. If you are a teenager or young adult born before 1 May 2015, you will not have received the MenB vaccine as part of the NHS schedule.

What should I do if I’ve missed my meningitis vaccine?

To get the most benefit, it is important for you or your child to have your vaccines when they are offered or as close to that time as possible. Young children who have missed one or more dose of the MenB vaccine can have this free of charge before their second birthday.

If you were born before 1 May 2015, there is currently no NHS catch up programme for the MenB vaccine

Can I 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.

Meningitis ACWY Vaccination

Young people who have missed the opportunity to receive their adolescent dose of MenACWY (usually offered around the age of 14 years at school) can still be vaccinated up until their 25th birthday. Click here for more information. If you are unsure if you were vaccinated, please check your record using the NHS app, or contact the child health immunisation team on 020 3691 1019.