Meningitis B Information Posted or Updated on 19 Mar 2026

Cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been notified in Kent. See https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease-confirmed-in-kent

What this means for you

• There is NO recommendation for mass Men B vaccination at this time.
• Public health teams are focusing on:
• Targeted vaccination for specific groups at risk
• Antibiotics for close contacts of confirmed cases

Can I request the Men B vaccine?

• The Men B vaccine is NOT being offered on demand for reassurance
• This is because:
• It protects only against specific strains
• It takes time to become effective
• It is not part of the current outbreak control plan

Who normally receives the Men B vaccine?

The NHS routinely offers the Men B vaccine to young children:

• At 8 weeks
• At 12 weeks
• At 1 year

This protects against serious illnesses such as:

• Meningitis
• Sepsis
• Septicaemia (blood poisoning)

Missed a vaccine?

If your child has missed a Men B vaccine:

• Please contact your GP surgery
• Vaccination can still be given up to age 2

Reassurance for patients

• Current guidance is based on expert advice from UK public health authorities
• GP practices are following national guidance to keep patients safe

When to seek urgent medical help

Call NHS 111 or seek urgent care if you or your child has:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light
• Rash that does not fade
• Drowsiness or confusion

Further information

For more advice visit the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

Meningitis Symptoms

• Fever
• Neck pain
• Slerepiness
• Vomiting
• Joint pain
• Rash
• Headache
• Seizures
• Light sensitivity