Targeted Meningitis B Vaccination Programme

Posted by: Macaulay - Posted on:

There is a targeted Meningitis B Vaccination programme for specific groups linked to Kent outbreak. 

Antibiotics

If you are someone who needs preventive antibiotics because you were in close contact with a confirmed case, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will contact you directly.  You do not need to contact the practice to request antibiotics.

If you are an eligible contact and have not already had antibiotics through a UKHSA clinic, we will arrange urgent clinical review/prescription today.  Please contact us on 01234 351341 Option 5 or via System Connect.

Vaccine

NHS England has advised practices to vaccinate only those patients who are eligible, and this applies from Monday 23 March.

The vaccine being used is Bexsero, which is also used in the routine infant programme. UKHSA has confirmed that Bexsero offers protection against the strain identified in the current outbreak.

Who is eligible for the vaccine?

Vaccination has been extended only to people who have already been offered preventive antibiotics due to close contact with a confirmed case.

This currently includes:

  • close contacts of those who are confirmed or suspected to have meningococcal disease
  • students at the University of Kent who are normally resident on the Canterbury Campus, including those who may have now travelled home. Some staff living or working in these Halls of Residence have also been offered preventative antibiotics and are eligible for vaccination
  • students who attend other universities in Canterbury, living in halls of residence or off-campus locations where there has been a case, and have been advised to take an antibiotic due to a close contact by UKHSA
  • sixth form students (years 12 and 13) attending a secondary school or sixth form college in Kent where there has been a confirmed or probable case of meningococcal disease informed by local risk assessment
  • anyone who visited or was working at Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 March and 15 March, when the venue closed voluntarily 

NHS England has stated that this list may expand; we will update this page if further groups are added.

If you meet the criteria in one of the above groups = and haven’t received vaccination please contact us on 01234 351341 Option 5 or via System Connect.

If you are not in one of these groups, you are not eligible for vaccination currently.

When to contact the practice

  • You are clinically unwell, or
  • You have symptoms that could indicate meningitis, such as:
    • Fever
    • Severe headache
    • Rash
    • Stiff neck
    • Sensitivity to light
    • Drowsiness or confusion

Please contact us on 01234 351341 Option 5 or via System Connect.

If you are seriously unwell, please seek urgent medical help immediately.

This situation is being managed through a coordinated public health response. Our practice is here to support you if you are unwell, but UKHSA is leading the process of identifying contacts and arranging preventive antibiotics. This ensures that care is provided quickly, accurately, and safely to those who need it.

Thank you for your understanding – The De Parys Group.