Meningitis B 

There is currently an outbreak of Meningitis B at Kent University. The UK Health Security Agency are managing this outbreak in Kent and keeping GP practices informed. Anyone who needs antibiotics because they have been in contact with cases of Meningitis B will be contacted by the UKHSA.

There have been no cases in London or our local area.

Useful information about Meningitis and what to look out for

What is meningitis?

• Symptoms, risks and how to protect yourself 

Useful UKHSA blog with up-to-date information about the outbreak

• Cases of invasive meningococcal disease notified in Kent

The vaccine against Meningitis B was introduced on the NHS in 2015, so children born after that year will have full protection again Meningitis B if they were vaccinated. If you are unsure if your child was vaccinated please contact the surgery through the website or your NHS App and we can check for you. Children under 8 weeks of age, or over 2 years, are not currently eligible for vaccination on the NHS. 

It is not currently being advised that the general public gets a vaccine against Meningitis B, apart from some groups in Kent. If you are immunocompromised, or feel that there may be another reason that you are eligible for the vaccine on the NHS, please contact us. If you are wanting to be vaccinated, pleas be aware that we do not offer private Meningitis B vaccination at Putneymead, but some local pharmacies do offer this service.

Published: Mar 18, 2026