18/03/2026
‼️Meningitis alert ‼️
We are aware of a meningitis outbreak affecting the Canterbury area. UKHSA, the University of Kent and the local health system are working together to respond to the outbreak and support those affected.
What is meningococcal disease?
A rare but serious bacterial infection that can cause:
Meningitis (brain lining inflammation)
Septicaemia (blood poisoning)
Early treatment is critical.
⚠️ Know the symptoms:
• high temperature (fever)
• being sick
• headache
• rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
• stiff neck
• dislike of bright lights
• drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• seizures (fits)
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/
What to do:
If you have symptoms or are worried, seek urgent medical help – call NHS 111 or in an emergency, dial 999 to seek medical attention.
For advice, you can also call NHS 111.
For the latest official guidance, visit👉
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease-confirmed-in-kent
Meningitis vaccine info 2026:
The MenB vaccine is given to babies at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year old. If you child missed any of their MenB vaccine they can still have the MenB vaccine up to the age of 2. If your child didn't receive this as part of their childhood immunisations then it will need to be obtained privately, it is not available on the NHS.
The MenACWY vaccine is recommended for all teenagers. It is given to children at school when they're 13 or 14 years old (school year 9). Check your NHS app for up to date information on your/your child's vaccination history
Latest updates from the ongoing outbreak.
