Meningitis Outbreak: Update

You may have seen reports of a meningitis outbreak in Kent. The risk to most people remains low, but we understand this may be worrying.

Checking your vaccination status

We are currently receiving a high number of requests.

If you would like us to check your meningitis vaccination record, please complete this online form

• We will review your record
• If you are eligible for an NHS vaccine, we will contact you to arrange this

Symptoms to look out for

• High temperature (fever)
• Bad headache
• Stiff neck
• Feeling sick or being sick
• Sleepy or hard to wake
• Bright light hurts the eyes

In babies and young children:

• Not feeding well
• Floppy or very sleepy
• High-pitched cry

Some people get a rash that does not fade.

• Press a glass on the rash
• If it does not fade, go to A&E

Not everyone gets a rash

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

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’s 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.

Am I protected from MenB by childhood vaccines?

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.

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 2 years, the vaccination course consists of 2 doses.

Further information

Read more about meningitis, vaccines and the current outbreak:

• What is meningitis? Symptoms, risks and how to protect yourself
• About Meningitis on the NHS website
• About meningitis vaccinations on the NHS website 

Published: Mar 18, 2026