Outbreak of meningococcal disease – advice
Outbreak of meningococcal disease linked to University of Kent and the area of Canterbury
We are aware of the situation at Canterbury University. Understandably, we are receiving a number of inquiries about Meningitis and Meningitis vaccination schedules.
We hope to reassure concerned patients that transmission of Meningococcal bacteria that are usually carried harmlessly in the back of the nose and throat with transmission most likely to occur after close and prolonged contact or after sexual or other intimate contact that enables the spread of the bacteria.
Close contact is defined as prolonged close contact with the case in a household type setting during the 7 days before onset of illness. Examples close contacts would be those living and/or sleeping in the same household, pupils in the same dormitory, boy or girlfriends, or university students sharing a kitchen in a hall of residence.
Please familiarise yourself and your loved ones with the symptoms of meningitis and sepsis
If you are unwell please contact us through our triage, NHS111 or go to A&E if you are very unwell.
All children Born from August 2015 will have received a Meningitis B vaccination in their routine vaccinations (3 vaccines age 8weeks, 12/16 weeks and 1 yr).
If a child has missed a vaccine in this schedule, they are eligible for another vaccine until the age of 2yrs.
After this age the vaccine is only available privately. We are not able to provide this at Mote Medical Practice.
Children in secondary school age 14yrs receive a Meningitis ACWY vaccination. If this has been missed, they can be given this before the age of 25yr. This can be done at the practice.
The UKHSA have said that this vaccination is sufficient protection in the case of this current outbreak.
Published on 17 March 2026