Meningitis B Outbreak – Information for Patients

We are aware of recent reports about a Meningitis B outbreak in Kent, and we understand that patients and parents may be concerned.
Below is the latest guidance to help keep you informed.

🧭 Response to the outbreak

Patients who are currently in Kent will be contacted directly by the local mass-treatment sites at the University and will be provided with the appropriate antibiotic treatment.

If you are concerned, have been in contact with a confirmed case, or need advice, please contact:

UKHSA Helpline: 0344 225 3861
Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm

Please note: Woodseats Medical Centre and other practices outside the affected area are not currently  authorised to deliver outbreak‑specific antibiotic treatment.

❓ What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). It can be caused by bacteria or viruses.

It can become very serious very quickly and can lead to life‑threatening sepsis, permanent neurological damage, or death without urgent treatment.

People most at risk include:

• Babies
• Young children
• Teenagers
• Young adults

🚨 Symptoms to look out for

Symptoms can develop suddenly and may include:

• High temperature (fever)
• Vomiting
• Headache
• A rash that does not fade under a glass (note: a rash may not always appear)
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• Seizures

For more information please visit:

• NHS Meningitis page: www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis
• NHS Sepsis page: www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis

🚑 What to do if you suspect meningitis

Call 999 immediately if you think you or someone you care for may have meningitis or sepsis.
Do not wait for all symptoms to appear, and do not wait for a rash.

Suspected meningitis is a medical emergency and should be assessed in hospital urgently.

💉 Vaccination Information

The current outbreak is caused by Meningitis B (MenB).

MenB vaccine (routine childhood schedule)

The MenB vaccine is routinely given to babies at:

• 8 weeks
• 12 weeks
• 1 year (booster)

It is not routinely available to people over age 2, except for certain medical conditions (such as splenic dysfunction).

GP practices cannot provide MenB vaccines privately, and cannot vaccinate on request.
We must follow strict national NHS vaccination guidance.

MenACWY vaccine

This protects against other types of meningitis and is offered to:

• Teenagers
• Sixth‑form students
• First‑year university students

As part of routine NHS catch-up, GP practices can offer MenACWY to anyone under 25 who has not already received it.

🆘 If you are worried

Please use:

• UKHSA Helpline: 0344 225 3861 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
• NHS 111 for urgent advice
• 999 for emergency symptoms or suspected meningitis