We have received a number of enquiries following the recent rise in meningitis cases in Kent, particularly regarding the MenB vaccine. We completely understand why this is causing concern, especially for parents.
What is happening in Kent at the moment?
There has been a recent cluster of invasive meningococcal disease, caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. Over a short period, approximately 15–20 cases have been identified, with two tragic deaths. Several of these cases are due to MenB, the most common strain in the UK.
What makes this situation unusual is the clustered nature and speed of spread, likely linked to close-contact social settings among teenagers and university students. Meningococcal bacteria are often carried harmlessly in the throat, particularly in adolescents, but in rare cases can invade the bloodstream and central nervous system.
The illness can be severe, with around 1 in 10 cases proving fatal, and it may progress very rapidly—sometimes within 24 hours.
How is meningitis spread?
Transmission requires close, prolonged contact, such as coughing, kissing, or sharing drinks, vapes and utensils. This explains why outbreaks are more commonly seen in households, schools, and universities
When was the MenB vaccine introduced in the UK?
The MenB vaccine (Bexsero) was licensed in 2013 and introduced into the NHS childhood vaccination programme in September 2015. It is routinely offered to infants, who are at the highest risk.
Which children were included in the NHS programme?
Children born on or after 1 July 2015 were eligible and should have received three doses—at 8 weeks, 16 weeks (or more recently 12 weeks), and a booster at 12–13 months. Children born before this date were not included, which explains why many older children and teenagers remain unvaccinated.
Which children may have had access privately?
Because the vaccine was available privately from 2013, there was a two-year period before NHS rollout. At The Sloane Street Surgery, we offered MenB vaccination from the outset. This means that children born from 2013 onwards may have received it as infants, and some older children may also have been vaccinated if families opted for this. This means a significant proportion of our patients are already protected across a wider age range than the NHS programme alone.
Why are teenagers particularly affected in this outbreak?
Teenagers and young adults have higher carriage rates of meningococcal bacteria (up to around 10%), combined with social behaviours that increase transmission. As most were not eligible for the NHS programme, many currently have little or no protection, which explains the pattern seen in this outbreak.
Do teenagers need a booster?
There is increasing evidence that immunity may wane over time, and growing discussion around the role of a teenage booster. Although this is not currently part of the NHS schedule, we are happy to offer this privately at the surgery for families who would like additional protection. This was discussed further in our January newsletter article by Dr Hunt, “UK Vaccine Schedule Updates for 2026: Children and Adults.”
Do adults need the MenB vaccine?
For most healthy adults, the vaccine is not routinely required.
However, it may be appropriate for:
- Individuals with certain medical conditions (e.g. asplenia or complement disorders)
- Those with occupational exposure
- Individuals identified as close contacts of confirmed cases
We are happy to advise on an individual basis.
Who should be prioritised for vaccination?
Based on current evidence, priority groups include:
- Infants and young children (<5 years)
- Teenagers and young adults, particularly if unvaccinated
- Those in close-contact environments (schools, universities, shared accommodation)
- Individuals with underlying immune or spleen-related conditions
- Close contacts of confirmed cases
How can I check if my child is vaccinated?
You can check your child’s red book (Personal Child Health Record) for entries labelled ‘MenB’ or ‘Bexsero’. It is important to note how many doses have been recorded and the dates they were given. Children on the NHS schedule should have three doses, whereas those vaccinated privately often have two, sometimes with a later booster. If you are unsure, we are very happy to review this for you.
What symptoms should I look out for?
Meningitis can initially resemble a viral illness but may deteriorate quickly. Symptoms of concern include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, or a rash that does not fade under pressure. If concerned, please seek urgent medical attention.
Is the vaccine currently available?
Due to the recent surge in demand, our MenB vaccine stock has been temporarily exhausted, with supplies currently being prioritised within NHS channels. We are actively working to secure further stock and expect availability soon.
Meningitis ACWY vaccine – what do you need to know?
The MenACWY vaccine protects against Meningococcal Groups A, C, W, and Y, which are less common than MenB but can still cause serious illness. It is recommended for teenagers aged 14–18 years (routine NHS programme), first-year university students living in halls, certain high-risk individuals such as those with asplenia or complement deficiencies, and travellers to countries where MenACWY is more common. Typically, it is given as a single dose in adolescence and provides highly effective protection. While outbreaks are rare in the UK, infection can be rapid and severe, and vaccination complements MenB to offer broader protection against meningococcal disease. It is offered routinely via the NHS for eligible teenagers and is also available privately for catch-up or those outside NHS criteria.
What should I do now?
We would recommend that parents take a moment to review their child’s vaccination record in the red book and check how many MenB doses have been received. If your child was born after July 2015, they should usually have had three doses; older children may have had two doses if vaccinated privately.
If there is any uncertainty, or if your child has not been vaccinated and falls into a higher-risk group—particularly teenagers—we would be very happy to advise. We can also offer private vaccination, including teenage boosters, once stock becomes available.
As always, remain vigilant for symptoms and seek urgent care if your child appears unwell.
If you would like us to review your child’s vaccination record, discuss vaccination options or add you to our waiting list, please do get in touch with our reception team on 0207 245 9333.
About the author
MBBS BSc MRCGP DFSRH
“We have the luxury of time, both to spend with our patients in consultation and afterwards, to ensure their medical needs are met quickly and efficiently and by the right person”.
Having worked in multiple specialities across London hospitals, my particular interests now lie in paediatric and teenage care, women’s health, acute medicine, disease prevention and psychiatry.
I enjoy all aspects of General Practice but particularly looking after whole families: from newborns to grandparents, helping people when they need it most, quickly, efficiently, and kindly.
