Meningitis B (MenB)

Current situation

We understand that many patients are concerned following reports of a recent meningitis B (MenB) outbreak in Kent (Canterbury area).

At present:

• The risk to the wider public remains low
• We are not aware of any linked cases locally
• The situation is being managed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is a serious but uncommon infection that can cause:

• Inflammation of the lining of the brain
• Blood poisoning (sepsis)

It can become life-threatening quickly, so early recognition is essential.

Symptoms to look out for

Symptoms can develop suddenly and may include:

• A rash that does not fade when pressed
• High fever
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Cold hands and feet
• Confusion or drowsiness
• Seizures

If you or someone else develops these symptoms, seek urgent medical help immediately (call 999 or attend A&E).

Who is at risk?

Meningitis spreads through close and prolonged contact, such as:

• Living in the same household
• Kissing
• Sharing drinks, vapes, or utensils

It is not as easily spread as infections like COVID-19.

MenB vaccination – key information

The MenB vaccine:

• Was introduced into the UK routine schedule in 2015
• Is routinely offered to babies under 2 years

Who can get the MenB vaccine on the NHS?

Currently, it is only provided:

• As part of the routine childhood programme
• During a specific outbreak, if advised by UKHSA
• For certain high-risk patients, if recommended by a hospital specialist

There is no NHS catch-up programme for older children, teenagers, or adults.

Important update – vaccination during the Kent outbreak

As of 19 March, MenB vaccination has been extended to specific groups identified as being at higher risk during this outbreak.

You may be eligible only if you have been contacted or identified by public health teams.

This currently includes:

• Students at the University of Kent (Canterbury campus), including those who have returned home
• Individuals identified as close contacts and offered preventative antibiotics
• Students in shared accommodation in Canterbury linked to identified cases
• Individuals who attended Club Chemistry between 5 March and 16 March
• Certain school or sixth form groups in Kent where cases have been identified

These patients are being contacted directly and offered vaccination where appropriate.

If you have been contacted

If you have:

• Been advised to take preventative antibiotics, or
• Been contacted by UKHSA, your university, or school

Please follow the instructions given to you. You may be eligible for vaccination.

What if I have not been contacted?

If you have not been contacted, you are not currently eligible for the MenB vaccine on the NHS.

• The vaccine is not being offered routinely outside the identified risk groups
• There is no general rollout or catch-up programme at this time

What if I want the MenB vaccine privately?

If you are not eligible on the NHS:

• The vaccine may be available privately at some pharmacies or travel clinics

Other meningitis vaccines

Many people are already protected against other strains through vaccines such as:

• MenACWY vaccine – offered to teenagers and students
• Routine childhood vaccinations

 If you are aged 13–25 and missed your MenACWY vaccine, you can request this from your GP.

Important advice for patients

• The outbreak is localised, and overall risk remains low
• The most important thing is to recognise symptoms early and act quickly
• Early treatment can be life-saving

Contacting the practice

Due to high demand:

• We are not able to offer MenB vaccination outside NHS eligibility criteria
• Please do not contact the practice about MenB vaccination requests unless you have been advised that you are eligible

Reassurance

We understand this may feel worrying. Please be reassured:

• Meningitis is rare
• Public health teams are actively managing the situation
• Knowing the symptoms and acting quickly is the most important protectio

Published: Mar 23, 2026