There are no local updates, however, to keep our phone lines free, please see below for information that may be useful to you.
The meningitis B vaccine was brought into routine childhood vaccines from 1st September 2015 onwards When introduced in 2015, it was offered to infants born on or after 1 May 2015.For children born prior to this date they will not have received meningitis B as part of their schedule. There are no current changes to the vaccine schedule advised by public health. If and when that changes, eligible patients will be contacted.
Prophylactic antibiotics are currently being offered to:
- Students at Canterbury campus,
- All staff who live in the affected halls of residence,
- Anyone who attended Club Chemistry on 5th, 6th and 7th March
- close contacts who have been identified by UKHSA
Please contact UKHSA immediately on the number below, or let us know, if you feel you are a close contact and have not been treated.
If you are a close contact please be alert to symptoms of meningococcal disease and septicaemia (including fever, headache, rash, vomiting, limb pain, cold hands/feet, drowsiness or rapid deterioration) and call 999 or attend A&E immediately.
We are unable to provide vaccination for meningitis B at this time to those not due this as part of their immunisation schedule.
If you have further questions call the UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency) on 03442252861 and select option 5 (option dedicated to meningitis queries).
NHS ENGLAND Q&A’s FOR PATIENTS
Can meningitis be prevented?
Several vaccines offered free of charge by the NHS can help protect against certain causes of meningitis and septicaemia:
- MenB vaccine: For babies given at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 1 year.
- 6-in-1 vaccine: For babies given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks.
- Pneumococcal vaccine: Two doses for babies given at 16 weeks and 1 year; single dose for adults aged 65+.
- Hib/MenC vaccine: For babies given at 1 year (if born on or before 30 June 2024).
- MMR vaccine: For babies given at 1 year, with a second dose at 18 months.
- MenACWY vaccine: For teenagers aged 13 to 14.
The Men B vaccine does not protect against all MenB bacterium types. This is why it is important to raise awareness of signs and symptoms alongside the available vaccines.
Am I protected from MenB by childhood vaccines (MenACWY)?
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 and missed MMR or MMRV vaccine doses can be given at any age.
Teenagers can arrange to have vaccines they have missed. This is especially important before starting university or college. If that is not possible, they should make arrangements with their new GP as soon as they can after term begins. All GP practices should be able to offer free missed MenACWY to students who are under 25 years as well as MMR vaccines to eligible students. International students in the same age group are also eligible for these routine vaccines.
If you were born before 1 May 2015, there is 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 two years, the vaccination course consists of two doses.
You may also find the below links useful too:
- NHS England meningitis patient information.
- NHS England meningitis vaccination patient information.
- UKHSA media statement on Kent outbreak.
UKHSA patient information blog on symptoms, risks and preventing meningitis