We understand that recent news reports about the meningitis outbreak in Kent may be concerning for parents and staff working with children and young people.
Advice from UK Health Security Agency is that there is no increased risk outside of the specific outbreak in Kent at this time, and there is no need for any additional actions beyond the NHS standard practice.
You can check if you have been vaccinated for meningitis using the NHS App, via the GP health record section.
The NHS offers a Meningitis B vaccination at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 1 year old. Current routine UK immunisation guidance does not advise giving a Meningitis B vaccine after 2 years of age. If you would like this, you will need to source this privately.
The MenACWY vaccine offers protection against 4 types of bacteria that can cause meningitis: meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y. The vaccine is offered to teenagers aged 14 years old. It is also offered to people up to the age of 25 who have never had a vaccine containing MenC.
We will continue to update this message, and contact any patients who are outstanding for their vaccinations.
If you have symptoms, and have been in contact with a confirmed case of meningitis, please contact the surgery by telephone, please do not attend the practice face to face.
Thank you for your understanding.
Updated 18/03/2026