Meningitis B – Patient Information

We are aware of recent cases of Meningococcal disease (Meningitis B) in Kent, which have sadly resulted in the deaths of two students. We understand that this news is concerning for many patients and parents.

Highfield surgery are understandably getting a lot of queries regarding meningitis vaccinations.

NHS England has asked GP practices to provide the MenB vaccine to a small number of students linked to the meningococcal outbreak in Canterbury, Kent, if they have returned home.

Whilst we understand this may be a worrying time, it is clear that is it going to be unlikely for many of our local residents to need vaccination under the current criteria that has been set for GP practices nationally.

ONLY if you have been advised that you are eligible and are currently living locally, please contact reception and inform them that your request relates to the MenB vaccination that is linked to the Canterbury outbreak.

If you have been advised that you are eligible, it is likely you will have been contacted by your university, school, or public health officials because you:

• live in specific halls of residence in Canterbury

• attended certain venues in Canterbury between 5–16 March, or

• have been identified as a close contact of a confirmed case

If you have not been contacted directly, you DO NOT need to contact the practice about vaccination.

We are unable to arrange vaccines out of the NHS schedule.

UK Health Security Agency

The UK Health Security Agency has set up a help line for patients with no symptoms, but are concerned they have been in contact with a confirmed case or have a general enquiry regarding the Meningitis outbreak.

Opening times are 9am – 5pm

Telephone number: 0344 225 3861

About Meningitis and Septicaemia

Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). It can become life-threatening very quickly, so early recognition and treatment are vital.

Symptoms to look out for include:
• High fever
• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness or difficulty waking
• Cold hands and feet
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light
• Muscle or joint pain
• Confusion
• A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass

Early symptoms can be similar to flu or a viral illness, so it is important to remain vigilant.

When to seek help
If you or someone you know develops these symptoms, seek urgent medical advice by contacting your GP, calling NHS 111, or dialling 999 in an emergency. Early treatment can be lifesaving.

Additional vaccine information

MenB Vaccine
The MenB vaccine is part of the routine UK childhood immunisation schedule and is offered to infants at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, with a booster at one year of age. At present, additional (booster) vaccination is not being offered to the general population, except in specific targeted groups identified by UKHSA.

But if your child has missed any of their MenB vaccines, please contact the surgery. They can still have the MenB vaccine up to the age of 2

MenACWY Vaccine
The MenACWY vaccine protects against four strains of meningococcal bacteria (groups A, C, W and Y), which can also cause meningitis and septicaemia.In the UK, this vaccine is routinely offered to young people from around age 14, usually delivered through the school immunisation programme.

Teenagers are offered the meningitis ACWY vaccine at the age of 14, however this does not protect against Meningitis B.

We will continue to follow national guidance and update our patients if recommendations change.