Meningitis B Outbreak 

Health authorities have confirmed an outbreak of Meningitis B linked to the Canterbury area, resulting in several hospitalisations and sadly, two deaths among young people. Meningitis B is a serious bacterial infection that can progress rapidly, and early recognition is essential.

Know the Symptoms

Symptoms can come on suddenly and may include:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• Cold hands and feet
• Neck stiffness
• A rash that does not fade under a glass test (seek urgent help)

What should you do?

If you or someone in your household develops symptoms, seek urgent medical attention. If you are unsure of your vaccination history—particularly the MenB or MenACWY vaccines—please review your NHS App or Patient Access via our website in the first instance.

MenB vaccination was only part of the national NHS immunisation program from 2015. If you were born before 2015 you will not have been vaccinated against this strain. However, we cannot offer MenB to anyone over the age of 2y. This forms part of the childhood immunisation schedule only.

We will update this page as more information becomes available.

If you have concerns, please contact the surgery for guidance.

Information regarding Vaccinations

Meningitis ACWY

Part of routine vaccination schedule (from 2015) given usually around 14 years of age with catch-up available to people up to the 25th birthday.

• Medical issues: If there are patients with spleen dysfunction or absence of spleen or complement disorders (including those on complement inhibitor treatment) then additional vaccination is advised.
• Travel: It is also uses a travel vaccination to certain high risk areas.
• Occupational: It is mandatory for laboratory staff who handle strains of Neiserriea meningitidis.

MenB

Part of routine childhood immunisation schedule from 2015. Only offered on NHS for under 2 year olds.

Published: Mar 17, 2026