Free Meningitis B Vaccinations Extended in Kent

In response to the Meningitis B (MenB) outbreak in Kent, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is expanding its efforts to provide preventive antibiotic treatment and vaccinations.

As of March 19, 2026, vaccination is now available for students (years 12 and 13) in schools and colleges with confirmed or probable cases of MenB.

Following an assessment by the local health protection team, antibiotics and vaccinations may also be offered to additional year groups. Students are encouraged to continue attending school as usual.

The vaccination extension also includes students at the University of Kent living on the Canterbury campus, close contacts of confirmed cases, and individuals who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury in early March. The goal is to provide timely long-term protection for those at risk.

Professor Susan Hopkins from the UKHSA stated in a media release, "By extending the vaccination programme to those who have received antibiotics, we take an important step to protect those exposed."

Eligible individuals can request both the vaccination and antibiotics from their local GP.

Due to high demand for the private MenB vaccine, the NHS will release an additional 20,000 doses, enabling pharmacies to receive vaccines within 48 hours.

The UKHSA emphasizes that meningococcal disease, which includes meningitis and sepsis, is a serious but rare condition caused by meningococcal bacteria. Everyone is advised to remain vigilant for signs of severe illness and seek urgent medical attention if feeling unwell.