Combe Down Surgery

18/03/2026

Meningitis Vaccine Queries

Meningitis Vaccinations (MenB & MenACWY)

Following a recent increase in meningitis cases, we have received a number of queries about meningitis vaccinations. This page provides guidance on who is eligible and how to check vaccination records.

MenB (Meningitis B) Vaccine

MenB (Bexsero) is part of the NHS childhood schedule
Given to babies at 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 1 year
Introduced in 2015, so children born before this were not offered it and there is no NHS catch-up for older children
Children under 2 years who missed their vaccines may still be eligible – please contact us
MenB is not offered on the NHS for children over 2 years. It may be available privately (NOT AT Combe Down Surgery), but supplies can be limited.

MenACWY Vaccine

Protects against meningitis strains A, C, W and Y.

Offered in school (Year 9/10, around age 14)
Available as a catch-up for 18-25 year olds – please contact the surgery

Checking Vaccination Records

You can check vaccination history by:

Your child’s Red Book
Your GP record online (SystmOnline or NHS App)
You can also request your vaccination history by contacting the practice – secretaries.combedown1@nhs.net

Symptoms – When to Seek Urgent Help

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if symptoms such as:

Fever
Headache
Neck stiffness
Drowsiness
A rash that does not fade

How Meningitis Spreads

Meningitis B is moderately contagious and usually requires close, prolonged contact.

Further Information

For more information, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

16/03/2026

09/03/2026

We are closed for a staff training afternoon on Thursday, 12th March 2026. Combe Down Surgery will be closed between 14:00 and 17:00; however, our triage forms and phone lines will remain open.

09/02/2026

Your heart is really important.
The heart pumps blood around the body to keep you alive.

Heart disease is a health problem that affects your heart and arteries.
It can happen when your arteries get blocked by too much fat sticking to the wall of your artery.

If your arteries get blocked or damaged, your heart cannot work properly. It has to work harder to pump blood around your body.
If this happens in the arteries in your heart or brain, it is very serious.
It can cause problems like a heart attack or a stroke.

There are lots of small changes you can make to keep your heart healthy.
-Eat healthy foods
-Manage your weight
-Manage stress
-Stop smoking
-Drink less alcohol
-Move more

04/02/2026

World Cancer Day is a reminder to come together to take action against cancer.
Share your story, support those affected, and advocate for people-centred care.
Your voice can inspire change!

26/01/2026

- You can access NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk, by calling 111 or via the NHS App.
- You will be asked a series of questions about your or someone else's symptoms.
-Based on your answers you will be either, provided with care or directed to the right healthcare service.

You could be directed to:
- An urgent treatment centre
-Being booked in to see a local specialist
-Speaking directly to a healthcare professional
-Going to A&E if needed.

12/01/2026

Antibiotics play an important role in treating bacterial infections. However, they are not effective against illnesses caused by viruses such as colds or flu.
Most viral infections improve on their own without antibiotics.
Using antibiotics when they are not needed can lead to antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic resistance is a serious public health concern, as resistant bacteria can spread and cause more serious infections.

Information based on NHS guidance.

05/01/2026

Get involved in the Dry January Campaign!

are running a Dry January Campaign to support people to drink more healthily.

Alcohol can affect both our short-term and long-term health. In the short term it may lead to headaches, poor sleep, and feeling unwell the next day. Over time, drinking alcohol can also increase the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, and some cancers.

Why not try the Dry January Challenge!

Information adapted from Alcohol Change UK

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from Combe Down Surgery!