19/03/2026
Meningitis B Outbreak in Kent– Important Patient Information
We understand that recent news reports about the meningitis outbreak in Kent may be concerning for parents and staff working with children and young people. Advice from UKHSA is that there is no baseline increased risk outside of the specific outbreak in Kent at this time and currently there is no need for any additional actions.
The meningitis B vaccine was brought into routine childhood vaccines from 1st September 2015 onwards. For children born prior to this date they will not have received meningitis B as part of their schedule. There are no current changes to the vaccine schedule advised by public health. If and when that changes, eligible patients will be contacted.
Meningitis B vaccine is offered at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year of age. The current routine UK immunisation guidance does not advise giving Men B vaccine after 2 years of age.
The School Aged Immunisation Team will continue to offer any outstanding Meningitis ACWY doses up until the end of Year 11. GP Practices are responsible for delivering missed MenACWY to those who may have missed the school programme (14