NHS -news - meningitis-outbreak-in-the-canterbury-area
⚠️ Important Patient Notice: Local Meningitis (Meningococcal Disease) Outbreak
We are aware of the recent reports of a local outbreak of meningitis, and we understand that many of our patients may be feeling concerned. Please read the information below carefully.
🏥 If you are experiencing ANY of these symptoms:
👉 Do NOT come to the surgery or Urgent Treatment Centre.
Please attend your nearest A&E department immediately—preferably QEQM or William Harvey, who are already managing cases.
📢 MenB UPDATE on morning of Wednesday 18 March 2026
THIS IS NOW A NATIONAL RESPONSE
The UKHSA has formally declared this a national incident with 20 confirmed cases (up from 15 yesterday), which means more resources, more coordination, and faster decision-making at a national level. This is the system doing what it's supposed to do. The UKHSA chief executive has described the outbreak as consistent with a superspreader event at Club Chemistry, and scientists are urgently carrying out genome sequencing on the MenB strain to understand it better. The response is comprehensive and moving fast.
VACCINES
An NHS vaccination programme for students living in UoK halls will begin in the coming days. The Health Secretary has also asked the JCVI to urgently re-examine wider vaccine eligibility. Private MenB vaccination is available at Superdrug and many other pharmacies at around £110-200 per dose. Call ahead before travelling as demand is very high right now.
Update: It’s being widely reported that private vaccination is unavailable due to the demand in hospitals and the government scheme to vaccinate those most at risk.
NEW HELPLINE
0344 225 3861 open 9am to 5pm today. Use this if you have questions and aren't sure whether to go to a clinic.
ANTIBIOTIC CLINICS -- TODAY'S HOURS
You are eligible if you attended Club Chemistry on 5, 6 or 7 March, live on UoK campus, or are a close household contact of a confirmed case. No booking. No ID needed. Bring your NHS number and a bottle of water. You cannot collect on behalf of someone else.
📍 Senate Building, University of Kent, CT2 7NZ -- 9am to 5pm
📍 Gate Clinic, Kent & Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, CT1 3NG -- 8.30am to 7.30pm
📍 Thanet Community Health Hub, Northwood Road, Broadstairs, CT10 2WA -- 8.30am to 8pm (last patient 7.30pm)
📍 Westgate Hall, Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury, CT1 2BT -- 8.30am to 7.30pm
📍 Vicarage Lane Clinic, Ashford, TN23 1NJ -- NEW today -- 9am to 4pm
Outside Kent or outside clinic hours: call 111 or your GP and explain the situation.
FOR EVERYONE ELSE
If you are not a close contact and did not attend Club Chemistry on those dates, your day to day risk remains low. MenB does not spread through casual contact. Carry on as normal, but know the symptoms and trust your instincts.
SYMPTOMS -- act fast, don't wait for a rash
• Severe worsening headache
• High fever and stiff neck
• Vomiting, cold hands and feet, unusual drowsiness
• Rash that doesn't fade under a glass -- this appears late, don't wait for it
If anything feels wrong: A&E or 999 immediately. Early treatment is what saves lives with this illness.
Meningitis Now helpline: 0808 80 10 388, open 9am to 8pm
❓ If you do NOT have symptoms but are worried:
Please do not contact the surgery or A&E.
Instead, contact UKHSA for advice: phe.sshpu@nhs.net
Thank you for your understanding and for helping us keep our community safe.
