Meningitis B outbreak in Kent

Posted on March 17th, 2026

We are aware that the outbreak of Meningitis amongst students attending the University of Kent is causing concern across the UK.

We wanted to update our patients and provide reliable and trusted guidance to all patients.

Symptoms

Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly. Signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet. Septicaemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass.

The rash can develop later-on, so if you have symptoms alongside a rash that does not disappear when pressed with a glass, then we advise you to contact 111 or 999 in an emergency.

Knowing the signs and taking early treatment can be lifesaving.

Vaccination

Men B

There is no vaccination programme against the Meningitis B strain other than for young children. This is because the MenB vaccine doesn’t influence transmission of the infection from one person to another. It also doesn’t target against all the different strains of Meningitis B bacteria and also doesn’t protect for particularly long.

Babies are given the MenB vaccine in three doses during the first year of their life.

We do not offer the Men B vaccine privately, though some high street pharmacies do (Boots, Superdrug etc.)

For more information on why the Men B vaccine is not currently given to older children, this article may help.

Men ACWY

Young people can get vaccinated against 4 of the other Meningitis strains (A, C, W & Y) upto the age of 25 if they have not previously received it. Any young people wishing to have the Men ACWY vaccination who have not previously received it should contact us on 01772 970079 to book an appointment or complete our online form

We would especially encourage 1st year university students who are living in halls of residence to take up the Men ACWY vaccine.

The outbreak in Kent is relatively small and the risks are considered to be low to the wider student population, but we encourage everyone to know the signs outlined above and act quickly if you have cause for concern.

Updated 18/03/26

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have now set-up a patient helpline for anyone who is concerned, without symptoms but are concerned they may have been in contact with a confirmed case or have a general enquiry – 0344 225 3861.