Outbreak of Meningitis B Disease

We understand the concerns regarding this issue, which has also impacted our service. The page linked below has been created to keep everyone informed and will be updated as new information becomes available.

This group of bacteria is carried by around 10% of the population, most commonly in the throat, and it rarely causes illness. The current strains are being further evaluated.

Summary at present

1. Antibiotic prevention

Single dose antibiotic prevention is only offered to eligible groups listed below:

• Group A: Contacts from Canterbury
• Group B: Contact with confirmed case for any outbreak as defined by Public Health England

If you fall within these groups, please submit an eConsult request.

2. Vaccine prevention

a. NHS routine immunisation programme

The Meningitis B vaccine is offered on the NHS only to children as part of the routine immunisation schedule, which began in July 2015. Children will receive three doses of the 4CMenB vaccine in the first year of life. Your child’s vaccination records should be available in their Red Book. We will record any vaccines administered by the practice.

If you remain uncertain and would like us to confirm your records, please upload any external vaccination documentation via our online form and then submit an eConsult request. Please note that if you are enquiring on behalf of a young adult due to patient confidentiality we cannot release immunisation data without the patient’s specific consent.
The meningitis ACWY vaccine is offered from age 14 up to age 25. If your child has not had this yet then we can give this at the practice.

There is no catchup campaign of meningitis b vaccine if not given as an infant unless your child is less than 2 years old.

b. General availability

The Meningitis B vaccine is not currently available to the general public on the NHS. There is no evidence that it provides immediate protection. The only way for individuals outside the routine schedule to obtain the Meningitis B vaccine is privately. Demand is currently high and supplies are limited, and we do not have information about private stock availability.

Further information

Group A Eligible for single dose antibiotics

As per NHS England: Outbreak of meningococcal disease linked to University of Kent and the area of Canterbury

A letter was sent on 15 March to all University of Kent students and staff with warn and inform information to ensure rapid identification of symptomatic individuals. Antibiotic chemoprophylaxis is being offered 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 5, 6 and 7 March
• close contacts who have been identified by UKHSA

Local clinics are currently offering chemoprophylaxis (a single to dose of antibiotic) to contacts in the Canterbury area. However, if an individual has returned home and not already received the prophylactic dose through UKHSA coordinated clinics, the you can obtain this locally via NHS services, 111 and the local pharmacies via 111, we can also prescribe antibiotic. For us you just need to submit an eConsult. If you have been contacted by the UKHSA please attach a photograph of the communication to the eConsult. We may also need to pass your details to Public Health England who may contact you.

Group B Eligible for single dose antibiotics

Eligibility for chemoprophylaxis is defined in national NICE CKS and page 22 of the UKHSA guidance, and includes:

• people who have had prolonged close contact with the case in a household-type setting during the 7 days before onset of illness
• intimate kissing or equivalent close contact
• exposure to respiratory secretions (for example, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation)
• other close contacts identified through UKHSA risk assessment

The definition of close contact does not include: food or drink sharing or similar low level of salivary contact - attending the same social function - travelling in next seat on same plane, train, bus, or car .

At present, there are no changes to national guidance on the management of suspected meningococcal disease.

Please ensure your children /young adults are up to date with all their routine vaccines, including the Meningitis ACWY which is given up to 25 years.

If you have any symptoms of meningitis (such as sudden high temperature, severe headache, nick stiffness, light sensitivity, seizures, rash, vomiting) please call 111 or if you are very unwell (emergency) do call 999.

Published: Mar 18, 2026