Meningitis Update and Vaccination Information

Posted on:25th March 2026

 Current Situation

There is currently no evidence of spread beyond a specific cluster in Kent, and no additional action is required locally in Waltham Forest.
We are monitoring the situation closely in line with updates from UKHSA.

About the Current Outbreak

• Some cases in the Kent cluster are caused by MenB (Meningococcal B)
• The MenB vaccine has only been part of the NHS routine schedule since 2015
• This means most teenagers and adults will not have received MenB vaccination

Who is at Risk?

Meningitis can affect anyone, but is most common in:

• Babies and young children
• Teenagers
• Young adults (especially students)

Vaccinations Available on the NHS

The NHS offers several vaccines that protect against different causes of meningitis:

• MenB vaccine – babies (8 weeks, 12 weeks, 1 year)
• 6 in 1 vaccine – babies (8, 12, 16 weeks)
• Pneumococcal vaccine – babies and adults aged 65+
• Hib/MenC vaccine – babies at 1 year
• MMR vaccine – at 1 year and 18 months
• MenACWY vaccine – teenagers (13 to 14 years)

Who is protected from MenB by childhood vaccines?

The MenB vaccine was added to the NHS immunisation schedule for infants in 2015, providing protection for babies and young children in the UK. It is separate from the MenACWY. If you are a teenager or young adult born before 1 May 2015, you will not have received the MenB vaccine as part of the NHS schedule.

Missed Vaccines

• Children under 2 can still receive missed MenB vaccines free of charge
• There is no NHS catch up programme for MenB for older children or adults
• Anyone under 25 can still receive a free MenACWY vaccine from their GP if missed (important before university) This provides protection from Meningitis strain A, C, W and Y.  It does not protect against meningitis B (MenB)
• International students under 25 are also eligible

Private Vaccination

The MenB vaccine is available privately through pharmacies, travel clinics, and private GP services

• For those aged over 2, this is given as 2 doses

Antibiotics for Close Contacts (Kent Cluster Only)

UKHSA has advised that preventative antibiotics (prophylaxis) are only required for specific high risk contacts.

This includes individuals who:

• Attended Chemistry Nightclub in Canterbury on 5, 6, or 7 March, or
• Have received direct communication from UKHSA or their university, or
• Are identified as a close contact of a confirmed case

If you fall into one of these groups, please follow the instructions provided to you.

Key Points to Reassure Patients

• There is no current local outbreak in Waltham Forest
• The situation is being closely monitored nationally
• NHS vaccination programmes already provide strong protection for children and young people

Further Information

For more information on symptoms, risks, and when to seek help, please visit:
👉 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/10/31/what-is-meningitis-symptoms-risks-and-how-to-protect-yourself/

If you are concerned about symptoms such as fever, headache, neck stiffness, or rash, seek urgent medical advice immediately.