Meningitis Outbreak In Kent

 

What you need to know

If you or someone you know has a high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, a rash that doesn’t fade under a glass, or is very unwell: call 999 or go straight to A&E. Do not wait for all symptoms. Do not call your GP surgery.

Further information can be found on the NHS website

 

What has happened?

Between 13 and 15 March, 13 people in the Canterbury area of Kent became seriously ill with meningitis and blood poisoning. Two young people have died. The cases are linked to the University of Kent and a local nightclub. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is leading the response and has contacted over 30,000 people in the area. Close contacts have already been given antibiotics. The exact type of bacteria causing this outbreak has not yet been confirmed.

 

Am I at risk?

If you have not been in Canterbury, have not had close contact with a confirmed case, and have not been contacted by the UKHSA, your risk is very low. Meningitis does not spread as easily as colds or flu — it requires prolonged close contact such as living together or kissing. However, everyone should know the warning signs and act quickly.

 

What should I do?

I have symptoms (fever, headache, stiff neck, rash, confusion)

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately. This is a hospital emergency, your GP surgery cannot diagnose or treat meningitis.

I feel unwell but i’m not sure

If you have symptoms of Meningitis: Contact NHS 999/A&E. Otherwise contact your GP/111 as you would normally if needed.

UKHSA has contacted me as a close contact

Follow the instructions you’ve been given. Attend a designated antibiotic clinic if directed.

I’m worried but well, with no known contact

No action needed. Be aware of symptoms. Your GP surgery cannot test for, treat, or give preventive antibiotics for meningitis just in case.

 

What about the meningitis vaccine?

There are different meningitis vaccines that protect against different types of the bacteria:

Menacwy

  • Who can get it on the NHS? Routinely offered in school (Years 9 to 10). If you missed it, you can still get it free from your GP up to age 25.
  • What you need to know: Protects against types A, C, W, and Y. Does NOT protect against type B, which is the most common cause of meningitis in young adults.

Menb

  • Who can get it on the NHS?: Only offered to babies (at 8, 12 weeks and 1 year) and people with specific medical conditions.
  • What you need to know: Not routinely available on the NHS for older children, teenagers, or adults. Your GP cannot offer this vaccine outside these groups. If you would like the MenB vaccine, it is available privately from pharmacies (e.g. Boots, Superdrug) and private clinics. Expect to pay £50 to £130 per dose (2 doses needed).
 

Why isn’t the MenB vaccine offered to teenagers and adults on the NHS?

The government’s independent vaccine advisers (JCVI) have reviewed this and concluded that offering MenB more widely is not currently recommended. This is because meningitis B is rare, the vaccine’s protection doesn’t last as long as other meningitis vaccines, and it does not stop people carrying and spreading the bacteria. This may change in future. No matter your vaccination status, knowing the symptoms and acting fast remains the most important protection.

 

Check your vaccination status

You can see which vaccinations you’ve had by logging into the NHS App. Your GP cannot provide vaccines currently outside the schedule as above.

 

Where to get help and information

Please share this with family and friends, especially those with children at university. For the latest updates, visit the websites above.

Published: Mar 18, 2026