Stay informed about the meningitis outbreak and make sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date. Learn the key symptoms to watch for and simple steps to help reduce the risk.
What’s happening?
- There is a meningococcal disease outbreak in Kent.
- UKHSA is working to contain the outbreak and is giving prophylaxis antibiotics to close contacts.
- No new advice has been issued about accessing the Meningitis B vaccine, known as MenB, for the wider public.
Who decides vaccine recommendations?
- All vaccine recommendations in the UK are monitored and decided by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
- The JCVI reviews all cases of vaccine preventable disease, national data, and emerging risks.
- Currently, there are no plans to offer the MenB vaccine outside of the routine infant schedule.
What protection does my secondary aged child already have?
- Children receive Hib/MenC at 1 year of age, which provides early protection.
- In Year 9, young people are offered the MenACWY vaccine.
- MenACWY provides protection during the later school years and into work/college/university, where risk is higher.
- This means most secondary school aged children already have strong protection against the meningococcal strains of greatest concern in teens and young adults.
Check your child’s vaccine history
We are encouraging parents of young people to proactively check their child’s vaccination history and ensure they are fully up to date with the UK schedule, especially their year 9 vaccines.
You can check your child’s vaccination record by:
- Looking in your child’s Red Book
- Checking their record via NHS App (if you have access)
- Asking your GP surgery
If your child is of secondary school age, and any vaccines are missing, please contact your local School Immunisation Team to book a school or clinic appointment.
Find contact details for your child’s school immunisation team here.
Routine vaccines to stay protected
Make sure your child is up to date with:
- MenACWY (Year 9)
- Td/IPV booster (Year 9)
To view the Full vaccine schedule, visit the NHS website.
Know the symptoms of meningitis
Seek urgent medical help if you notice:
- Rash that doesn’t fade with pressure
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Vomiting
- Cold hands or feet
- Confusion
Visit NHS to learn more about meningitis
Reduce the risk
- Wash hands regularly
- Don’t share drinks, vapes, or cigarettes