24/03/2026
Important Patient Information – MenB Vaccination (Canterbury)
There is an ongoing meningitis B (MenB) outbreak in Kent, linked to the University of Kent and the Canterbury area. Public health teams are responding with targeted antibiotics and MenB vaccination.
Who is eligible for MenB vaccination?
The MenB vaccine is being offered only to specific groups as part of the outbreak response, including:
· Students who live or recently lived at the University of Kent (Canterbury campus)
· Students who were eligible for vaccination on campus but have since returned home
· Individuals identified as close contacts of a confirmed or suspected case and offered preventative antibiotics
· People who attended Club Chemistry, Canterbury, during dates identified by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
If you are eligible and registered with Albany Surgery, please contact the practice.
Who does NOT need to contact the surgery?
Please do not contact us if:
· You are not in one of the eligible groups
· You are requesting the vaccine “just in case”
· You have no link to Canterbury or the outbreak
This helps us prioritise patients who need urgent protection.
Know the symptoms – seek urgent help
Meningitis can become serious very quickly. Seek urgent medical attention (999 or accident & emergency) if you develop:
· Sudden fever
· Severe headache
· Stiff neck
· Vomiting or diarrhoea
· Cold hands or feet, limb pain
· Drowsiness or confusion
· A rash that does not fade when pressed
Further information
UKHSA outbreak updates: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18/meningitis-b-outbreak-what-you-need-to-know/
NHS meningitis information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/
Read about meningitis, an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Find out about the symptoms, vaccines and treatments.
