Health information

We are receiving calls/emails from patients concerned over the current Meningitis outbreak and wish to provide the following information.
The only people who need attention are as follows:

1. Symptomatic for meningitis: fever, non blanching rash, headache and neck stiffness (as we normally would)
2. Anyone who visited 'Club Chemistry' between 5/3 and 7/3
3. University of Kent Students
They all need review and antibiotics.

Further information is available below.
Meningitis Outbreak - Important information
Stay informed about the meningitis outbreak and make sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date. Learn the key symptoms to watch for and simple steps to help reduce the risk.

Latest update: 17 March 2026
Awareness - What’s happening?
There is a meningococcal disease outbreak in Kent.
UKHSA is working to contain the outbreak and is giving prophylaxis antibiotics to close contacts.
No new advice has been issued about accessing the Meningitis B vaccine, known as MenB, for the wider public.

Who decides vaccine recommendations?
All vaccine recommendations in the UK are monitored and decided by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
The JCVI reviews all cases of vaccine preventable disease, national data, and emerging risks.
Currently, there are no plans to offer the MenB vaccine outside of the routine infant schedule.

What protection does my secondary aged child already have?
Children receive Hib/MenC at 1 year of age, which provides early protection.
In Year 9, young people are offered the MenACWY vaccine.
MenACWY provides protection during the later school years and into work/college/university, where risk is higher.

This means most secondary school aged children already have strong protection against the meningococcal strains of greatest concern in teens and young adults.
Check your child’s vaccine history

We are encouraging parents of young people to proactively check their child's vaccination history and ensure they are fully up to date with the UK schedule, especially their year 9 vaccines.

You can check your child’s vaccination record by:
Looking in your child’s Red Book
Asking your GP surgery
Looking for emails from Cinnamon Digital (school e consent system)

If your child is of secondary school age, and any vaccines are missing, please contact your local Berkshire Healthcare School Immunisation Team to book a school or clinic appointment:

West Berkshire: westschoolimms@berkshire.nhs.uk
East Berkshire: eastschoolimms@berkshire.nhs.uk
Routine vaccines to stay protected

Make sure your child is up to date with:
MenACWY (Year 9)
Td/IPV booster (Year 9)

To view the Full vaccine schedule, visit the NHS website.
Visit NHS website

Know the symptoms of meningitis
Seek urgent medical help if you notice:

Rash that doesn’t fade with pressure
High fever
Severe headache
Stiff neck
Vomiting
Cold hands or feet
Confusion

Visit NHS to learn more about meningitis
Reduce the risk
Wash hands regularly
Don’t share drinks, vapes, or cigarettes