We are receiving queries from concerned patients and parents regarding the meningitis B outbreak in Kent. Here we collect some of the latest information.

Response to the outbreak

Patients who are still in Kent will be picked up by the mass treatment sites at the university and will be provided with antibiotic prophylaxis, but this may not cover all those who have returned home.

Concerned patients, even if they have no symptoms, those who have been in contact with a confirmed case or those with a general enquiry, may ring a helpline or get website info as below. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.

Kent & Medway meningitis info hub UKHSA Helpline 0344 225 3861

Practices in Derbyshire are not authorised to provide outbreak response but there will be a local provider who will be able to do this in due course. We will share details as soon as we receive them.

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (the meninges), usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection.

It can be very serious if not treated quickly and can cause life-threatening sepsis and permanent damage to the brain or nerves. It can affect anyone but most commonly babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.

Symptoms of meningitis include:

These symptoms may appear suddenly, in any order, worsen quickly, and/or may not all come on at once.

NHS meningitis NHS sepsis

What if I suspect meningitis?

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis.

Do not wait for all the symptoms (or a rash) to appear. If you are worried that it might be meningitis or sepsis, do not delay.

Rapid transport to hospital is of the utmost importance and must not be delayed even for the administration of antibiotics beforehand.

Ring 999 Nearest A&E

If you suspect meningitis or sepsis, please do not book a GP appointment or fill out an online consultation request.

How can I protect against it?

The current outbreak is caused by meningitis B (menB).

Babies have been offered vaccination against MenB as part of their routine vaccination schedule since 2015. We recommend all parents to get their babies fully vaccinated.

Vaccinations offer some protection against certain causes of meningitis. These include:

• MenB vaccine is offered to babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at 1 year
  
  MenB vaccine cannot currently be given to anyone over the age of 2 years, unless immunocompromised due to lack of spleen or splenic dysfunction
  GP surgeries are not allowed to offer MenB vaccine privately
• 6-in-1 vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib/Hep B) is offered to babies/children at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and 18 months
• Pneumococcal vaccine is offered to babies at both 16 weeks and 1 year, and a single dose offered to over 65s
• MMRV vaccine (measles/mumps/rubella/chickenpox) is offered to children at 12 months and 18 months
• MenACWY vaccine (MenA, C, W and Y) is offered to teenagers, sixth formers and 'fresher' students going to university for the first time
  
  GP surgeries can administer MenACWY vaccine to under 25 year olds who were previously invited or who had missed it at school, upon request

Parents of school age children should contact the School Aged Immunisation Service (Intrahealth).

Intrahealth website Intrahealth phoneline
03333 583 397 (option 5)

Children with incomplete vaccination can be offered vaccination in line with current guidance .

Vaccination reminder

As your GPs, we always urge all our eligible patients to attend for all of their recommended vaccinations in line with the NHS vaccination schedule .

We are aware that there are still many patients choosing not to get vaccinated, and even more worryingly, far too many parents who actively choose not to vaccinate their babies and young children and are therefore putting them at risk of preventable and life-threatening conditions.

If you are eligible for any vaccination and have received an invite from us, or have previously declined a vaccination and now wish to proceed, please do get in touch.

NHS vaccination schedule

If you need to check your vaccination history, you can do this with online access to your record or via the NHS App .

Apply for online access NHS App info

Where can I get more info?

GOV meningitis outbreak Meningitis Research Foundation Meningitis Now