18/03/2026
Meningitis Outbreak
Many students and parents may have heard about the recent outbreak of meningitis in Kent where unfortunately two students have died.
We have seen a surge of people contacting the practice about meningitis worries and to get a meningitis vaccination. We have made an big increase in the amount of vaccination appointments available to cope with this demand, but please have a read of the meningitis information below before you contact the practice.
Meningitis is a rare infection of the brain and can be very dangerous. University students are at a higher risk of infection due to mixing closely with lots of new people, some who may be unknowingly carrying the bacteria.
Symptoms of Meningitis start off like a bad case of the flu, but can then get worse very quickly. Symptoms can include:
• a severe headache
• vomiting
• a stiff neck
• muscle and joint pain
• pale, blotchy skins / spots / rash
• a high temperature/fever
• cold hands and feet
• a dislike of bright lights
• drowsiness or difficulty waking up
Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all. There can be a rash which does not go away when pressed.
For more information, please visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/symptoms/
Students are also encouraged to look out for their friends, particularly if they go to their room unwell.
You should get medical advice as soon as possible if you’re concerned that you could have meningitis. Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately.
Meningitis B
The current outbreak in Kent is caused by an unknown variant of Meningitis B. Vaccination for Meningitis B started in 2015 for babies but those born before 2015 will not have been vaccinated. Currently there is no catchup program on the NHS for Meningitis B vaccination, unless you have serious health problems like diabetes, heart problems, liver disease and other conditions that suppress your immune system. You can get Men B vaccines done privately at major pharmacy chains. This is expensive, however - Boots, for example offer this at £220 for the 2-dose course.
Meningitis ACWY Vaccination
A further vaccination for Meningitis types A, C, W and Y is available for young people under the age of 25. This is a single jab and is eligible to all people under the age of 25 and free. We would recommend all students under the age of 25 to contact your GP to have this arranged for you.
If you are registered with Vallance Medical, you can book directly with the practice online through this link:
https://accurx.nhs.uk/patient-initiated/p84005/flows
Please note the ACWY will NOT protect you from the strain that is happening in Kent.
The practice will of course, let our patients know if there;s any changes to the vaccination situation.
