Meningitis Guidance

What’s happening?

There is a meningococcal disease outbreak in Kent.

UKHSA is working to contain the outbreak and is giving prophylaxis antibiotics to close contacts.

No new advice has been issued about accessing the Meningitis B vaccine, known as MenB, for the wider public.

Keep up to date by visiting the UKHSA website. 

• UKHSA website

Who decides vaccine recommendations?

All vaccine recommendations in the UK are monitored and decided by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

The JCVI reviews all cases of vaccine preventable disease, national data, and emerging risks.

Currently, there are no plans to offer the MenB vaccine outside of the routine infant schedule.

What protection does my secondary aged child already have?

Children receive Hib/MenC at 1 year of age, which provides early protection.

In Year 9, young people are offered the MenACWY vaccine.

MenACWY provides protection during the later school years and into work/college/university, where risk is higher.

This means most secondary school aged children already have strong protection against the meningococcal strains of greatest concern in teens and young adults.

Routine vaccines to stay protected

Make sure your child is up to date with:

MenACWY (Year 9)

Td/IPV booster (Year 9)

To view the Full vaccine schedule, visit the NHS website.

• NHS website

Know the symptoms of meningitis

Seek urgent medical help if you notice:

Rash that doesn’t fade with pressure

High fever

Severe headache

Stiff neck

Vomiting

Cold hands or feet

Confusion

• Learn more about meningitis

Reduce the risk

Wash hands regularly

Don’t share drinks, vapes, or cigarettes