20/03/2026
‼️ Meningococcal disease in Kent - update
We have had a lot of patients concerned about the meningitis outbreak in Kent, so thought it would be helpful to share below:
The outbreak in Kent is local to that area, there is no evidence of any increased risk in Scotland and therefore no additional vaccination campaigns are recommended locally.
⚠️ Early detection of meningitis and sepsis symptoms are important. More information can be found at https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/meningitis/
🏥 If you suspect you have symptoms consistent with meningitis you should seek urgent help by calling 999/going to A+E immediately. Do not delay seeking help - meningitis is a medical emergency.
In relation to meningitis vaccines:
💉 Vaccination services are now run by NHS Dumfries and Galloway vaccine team (not GP practices). Information can be found at the following website https://www.nhsdg.co.uk/immunisations/
Q - Has my child been vaccinated against meningitis?
A - Anyone born before 2015 will not have received MenB as part of their childhood schedule. There are no plans to offer MenB vaccine routinely to anyone other than infants (this happens as part of routine vaccine schedule). If someone in Scotland needed the vaccine as part of an outbreak response, they would be contacted directly.
Q - My child has missed their appointment, what do I do?
A - Children who haven't received all their scheduled doses of MenB vaccine can be offered catch up doses up to 2 years of age. Contact the vaccine team (see above link).
Meningitis ACWY vaccine is delivered in schools and is offered to all young people who are in S3 (around 14 years of age) and those who are homeschooled. Men ACWY can be given up until the age of 25, especially important before starting university or college. You can contact the vaccine team for this (see above link)
Q - Why can't I/my child get Men B vaccine?
A - Recommendations about who should be offered vaccines are made by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which is an independent expert group that advises the government on vaccine policy. Their recommendations are based on protecting those at highest risk. While it is effective at protecting infants against meningococcal disease, the MenB vaccine offers limited impact on reducing carriage and transmission, and it does not cover all circulating MenB strains
⚠️ We cannot provide or give recommendations on private vaccinations - the private company would do this.
💉📑 We can provide a summary of your immunisation history if required. Please request via the admin section of eConsult.
