You may have seen recent news about a small outbreak of a penicillin‑resistant strain of Meningitis B linked to the University of Kent. We understand that this may be worrying, and we want to reassure you about what this means and what to do if you have concerns.

Public Health Teams will contact anyone who needs antibiotics

If you are someone who needs preventive antibiotics because you were in close contact with a confirmed case, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will contact you directly.

You do not need to contact the practice to request antibiotics.

If you haven’t been contacted

If you have not been contacted by UKHSA or your local Health Protection Team, it is very unlikely that you need antibiotics or any further action.

Updated information: vaccination for eligible patients only

NHS England has advised practices to vaccinate only those patients who are eligible, and this applies from Monday 23 March.

The vaccine being used is Bexsero, which is also used in the routine infant programme. UKHSA has confirmed that Bexsero offers protection against the strain identified in the current outbreak.

Who is eligible for the vaccine?

Vaccination has been extended only to people who have already been offered preventive antibiotics due to close contact with a confirmed case. This currently includes:

• Students at the University of Kent who are normally resident on the Canterbury campus (including those who may now have travelled home).
• Some University of Kent staff who have been offered antibiotic prophylaxis.
• Students attending other universities in Canterbury who were advised to take antibiotics because of close contact (including those living in certain halls or private accommodation).
• Individuals who attended Club Chemistry from 5 March to 16 March (the date the venue closed voluntarily).

NHS England has stated that this list may expand; we will update this page if further groups are added.

If you are not in one of these groups, you are not eligible for vaccination at this time.

When to contact the practice

Please contact us in the usual way if:

• You are clinically unwell, or
• You have symptoms that could indicate meningitis, such as:
  • Fever
  • Severe headache
  • Rash
  • Stiff neck
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Drowsiness or confusion

If you are seriously unwell, please seek urgent medical help immediately.

This situation is being managed through a coordinated public health response. Our practice is here to support you if you are unwell, but UKHSA is leading the process of identifying contacts and arranging preventive antibiotics. This ensures that care is provided quickly, accurately, and safely to those who need it.

Thank you for your understanding.