21/03/2026
❗Please read below important information regarding Meningitis❗
The meningitis outbreak in Kent is a very local outbreak. There is no evidence that this outbreak has spread further than Kent.
Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis can appear very suddenly. They can be easily mistaken for flu, a heavy cold or even a hangover. It is vital that anyone who is concerned about these symptoms seeks urgent medical help immediately.
We are encouraging patients to make sure they are fully vaccinated, in particular checking if you have had the Men ACWY vaccination.
The MenACWY vaccine is usually given to children aged 13-14 years old when they're at school, however if you missed having it at this time, you can get it on the NHS up to the age of 25 years old. If you are a registered patient and fit this criteria please contact the surgery on 0191 2620444 to arrange an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
Routine vaccination against MenB for babies and young children was introduced in 2015, so children born after 1 May 2015 will already have received the vaccine at their 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1-year appointments. If your child has missed any of their MenB vaccines, they can still have the MenB vaccine up to the age of 2.
You can read more about the meningitis B vaccination here –
https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/20/who-is-eligible-for-the-menb-vaccine-and-do-i-need-it-myself/ #:~:text=Who%20is%20currently%20eligible%20for,suspected%20to%20have%20meningococcal%20disease
You can read about the common signs here - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/symptoms/
Read about the main symptoms of meningitis, including the meningitis rash, and find out when and where to get medical advice if you have any concerns.
