19/03/2026
Meningitis Outbreak Advice
The UK Health Security Agency has recently confirmed an outbreak of meningitis in Kent. Meningitis is an infection which causes swelling of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, and it can be life-threatening, unless treated quickly. There are different vaccinations which provide protection against different strains of meningitis.
MenB Vaccine - this is offered to babies at 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at 1 year. If your child has missed any of their MenB vaccines, they are still eligible up until the age of 2, and you can contact the practice to arrange this vaccination. However, this was only available to babies born on or after 1st July 2015, meaning other age groups who wish to have this vaccine would need to seek this privately.
MenACWY Vaccine - this is offered to teenagers (usually in Year 9), sixth formers and fresher students going to university for the first time. It can be given up to the age of 25 if it’s been missed.
For more information, visit our website at https://www.finneylanesurgery.nhs.uk/meningitis-outbreak-advice/ or contact Child Health Information Services on 0300 561 0294 (Option 2).
Meningitis Outbreak Advice Posted on 19th March, 2026The UK Health Security Agency has recently confirmed an outbreak of meningitis in Kent. There has been several confirmed cases, and it has unfortunately resulted in the deaths of a university student and a Year 13 pupil.Meningitis is an infection....