Canterbury Meningitis Outbreak
Canterbury Meningitis Outbreak
A Message to our patients - HELPLINE NO: 9-5pm - 0344 225 3861
We understand this outbreak may cause anxiety, especially for those with links to the Canterbury area.
The latest update today (19th March) is:
VACCINES
HSE are controlling vaccination and we are not being asked to vaccinate anyone beyond the usual childhood vaccine schedule at present.
PROPHYLAXIS
Anybody who has been a close contact of someone with confirmed Meningitis B, in the last 7 days, should be given antibiotic prophylaxis. We CAN prescribe this from the surgery and is applicable to anybody with:
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Prolonged close constant contact in a household type setting
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Kissing or equivalent close contact
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Exposure to respiratory secretions (e.g. mouth to mouth resuscitation, carrying out aerosol generating procedures on a subsequently confirmed case)
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Other contacts to be identified by UKHSA
Patients with symptoms they are concerned could be meningitis should be signposted to present to A&E immediately, by ambulance if necessary - they should not wait for a GP call, even an on the day call.
Please be reassured that:
- Public health teams are responding quickly and thoroughly.
- The disease, while serious, remains uncommon.
- Support and advice are readily available.
- If you are feeling unwell and unsure or worried please call NHS 111 for advice
We are not being advised to give any additional vaccines, vaccines can only be offered to eligible people that are due. You can check your vaccine status on the NHS app,
In response to the meningitis outbreak locally, emergency antibiotics are available for eligible people at NHS centres. Antibiotic tablets can be offered to people who do not have symptoms, as a precautionary measure. To check whether you are eligible and how to get the precautionary treatment please visit the website https://www.kentandmedway.icb.nhs.uk/news/meningitis-outbreak-in-the-canterbury-area-4187
Page last reviewed: 07 April 2026