Meningitis B Outbreak

The Meningitis B outbreak in Kent is understandably causing concern for some patients.

Since 2015, all babies have been offered a course of Meningitis B vaccines as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.   People born before 2015 will not have had these vaccines. There is no NHS Men B catch-up programme at present, and we are therefore unable to offer vaccination outside of the routine cohort.  We will update this guidance should the situation change.

Children in the UK are offered a Meningitis ACWY vaccine at the age of 14.  Any patient who did not have the vaccine can have it up until their 25 ^th birthday.  It will not protect you from the Meningitis B strains causing the current outbreak, but it will protect against the ACW and Y strains.  If you wish to have the vaccine, please contact the Surgery to arrange an appointment. 

Meningitis B vaccination is available privately through some pharmacies, although we understand stocks are low.

Meningitis is a serious condition. Call 999 immediately or go to your nearest A&E if you or someone in your care has symptoms of meningitis, septicaemia or sepsis.  Do not wait for a rash to develop.  People with meningitis, septicaemia or sepsis can become seriously unwell very quickly.

More information about Meningitis and what to do

Published: Mar 19, 2026