Meningitis Update

The UK Health Security Agency is continuing to investigate an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent.

For further information on Meningitis visit the NHS website

Can meningitis be prevented?

Several vaccines offered free of charge by the NHS can help protect against certain causes of meningitis and septicaemia:

MenB vaccine

For babies given at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 1 year. If you have not had this vaccination and you are over 2 years old, you can pay to have this vaccination through a pharmacy or private clinic. 

6-in-1 vaccine

For babies given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks

Pneumococcal vaccine

Two doses for babies given at 16 weeks and 1 year; single dose for adults aged 65+

Hib/MenC vaccine

For babies given at 1 year (if born on or before 30 June 2024)

MMR vaccine

For babies given at 1 year, with a second dose at 18 months

MenACWY vaccine

For teenagers aged 13 to 14, if you have missed this vaccination and you are under 25 years old, attending university or joining the army this can be given at your GP surgery. 

The Men B vaccine does not protect against all MenB bacterium types. This is why we always raise awareness of signs and symptoms alongside the available vaccines.

For further information regarding vaccinations visit the NHS website

Published: Mar 27, 2026