It's been one week since the first meningitis B case was confirmed in Kent.
Thank you to everyone involved in dealing with the outbreak.
Anyone with symptoms should call NHS 111 or in an emergency, phone 999.
Read: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18/meningitis-b-outbreak-what-you-need-to-know/
Our latest blog post explains who is eligible for the MenB vaccine and why vaccination is being offered alongside preventative antibiotics in response to the meningitis outbreak in Kent.
🔗 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/20/who-is-eligible-for-the-menb-vaccine-and-do-i-need-it-myself/
R to @UKHSA: ⌛ It takes at least 2 weeks from your second dose to give you a good level of protection.
📉 It has significantly reduced MenB disease since its introduction in 2015.
🌡️ Most side effects are mild, like sore arm and a slight fever.
R to @UKHSA: Find out more in our blog post. 🔽🔗
https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18/meningitis-b-outbreak-what-you-need-to-know/
Our Consultant Epidemiologist, Dr Vanessa Saliba, shares why we're rolling out the MenB vaccine when teenagers receive a vaccine that protects them against meningitis.
R to @UKHSA: Here are some more facts on the MenB vaccine:
🛡️The MenB vaccine teaches your immune system how to fight the MenB bacteria.
📅 You will need 2 doses of the vaccine for protection. The 2nd dose can be given at least 4 weeks after the first dose, but can be given later.
R to @UKHSA: Here are some more facts on the MenB vaccine:
🛡️The MenB vaccine teaches your immune system how to fight the MenB bacteria.
📅 You will need 2 doses of the vaccine for protection, and at least 4 weeks after the first dose, but can be given later.
R to @UKHSA: 💊 The vaccine is an additional protective measure alongside the preventive antibiotics, so it’s important to take the antibiotics even if you are offered the vaccine.
Find out more in our blog post. 🔽🔗
https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18/meningitis-b-outbreak-what-you-need-to-know/
The MenACWY vaccine is offered to teenagers in the UK, but it doesn't protect against MenB, the strain behind the meningitis outbreak in Kent. This is why we are offering the MenB vaccine to certain eligible groups, Dr Vanessa Saliba explains the protection it offers down below.
Kent meningitis outbreak latest - eligibility for the MenB vaccine has been expanded. Keep up with the outbreak on our blog post.
🔗 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18/meningitis-b-outbreak-what-you-need-to-know/
Eligible students at the University of Kent will have received an invite for vaccination.
For wider information on the meningitis outbreak, read our blog post.
🔗 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18/meningitis-b-outbreak-what-you-need-to-know/
R to @UKHSA: If they have since travelled home or are no longer in Kent, they can contact their GP to receive them.
🕘🔗 Find the opening times for antibiotic clinics here:
https://www.kmhealthandcare.uk/meningitis-antibiotic-clinics
R to @UKHSA: A number of cases in this outbreak are confirmed to be MenB.
R to @UKHSA: 💊 Those who attended Club Chemistry on 5, 6 or 7 March, or who have been in close contact with someone confirmed or suspected to have meningitis, are advised to collect antibiotics from the collection points in Kent.
The latest updates on the meningitis outbreak in Kent can be found here:
📰🔗 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease-confirmed-in-kent
R to @UKHSA: 4️⃣ Senate Building University of Kent
⌚ Opening hours: Open until 8pm tonight and from 9am until 8pm
📍 Canterbury Campus. Other rooms. University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NZ
R to @UKHSA: 3️⃣ Carey Building, Thanet Hub, Northwood Road, Broadstairs
⌚ Opening hours: Open from 8:30am until 7:30pm
📍 Northwood Rd, Westwood, Broadstairs, CT10 2WA
R to @UKHSA: Opening hours of the sites for antibiotic collection are as follows:
1️⃣ Gate Clinic at Kent and Canterbury Hospital
⌚ Opening hours: Open from 8.30am until 7:30pm
📍 Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NG
R to @UKHSA: 2️⃣ Westgate Hall
⌚ Opening hours: Open from 8:30am until 7:30pm
📍 Westgate Hall, Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury, CT1 2BT
R to @UKHSA: Precautionary antibiotics should be collected by anyone who:
🔵 attended Club Chemistry on 5, 6 or 7 March
🔵 has been in close contact with someone confirmed or suspected to have MenB
Pinned: 🆕 It's been confirmed that some of the meningitis cases linked to Club Chemistry in Canterbury, Kent are MenB.
Health and Social Care Secretary @WesStreeting updates MPs on the outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent.
"We will begin a targeted vaccination programme for students living in halls of residence at the University of Kent in Canterbury, which will begin in the coming days."
R to @UKHSA: 4️⃣ Senate Building University of Kent
⌚ Opening hours: Open until 8pm tonight and from 9am until 8pm on 17 March
📍 Canterbury Campus. Other rooms. University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NZ
R to @UKHSA: 2️⃣ Westgate Hall
⌚ Opening hours: Open from 8:30am until 7:30pm on 17 March
📍 Westgate Hall, Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury, CT1 2BT
R to @UKHSA: 3️⃣ Carey Building, Thanet Hub, Northwood Road, Broadstairs
⌚ Opening hours: Open from 8:30am until 7:30pm on 17 March
📍 Northwood Rd, Westwood, Broadstairs CT10 2WA
If you were at Club Chemistry in Canterbury, Kent on 5, 6 or 7 March, we are asking you to collect precautionary antibiotics due to an outbreak of invasive meningitis. You should only collect antibiotics if you attended the club on these dates.
R to @UKHSA: Opening hours of the sites for antibiotic collection are as follows:
1️⃣ Gate Clinic at Kent and Canterbury Hospital
⌚ Opening hours: Open from 8.30am until 7:30pm on 17 March.
📍 Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NG
R to @UKHSA: 4️⃣ Senate Building University of Kent
⌚ Opening hours: Open until 8pm tonight and from 9am until 8pm on 17 March
📍 Canterbury Campus. Other rooms. University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NZ.
R to @UKHSA: 3️⃣ Carey Building, Thanet Hub, Northwood Road, Broadstairs
⌚ Opening hours: Open from 8:30am until 7:30pm on 17 March
📍 Northwood Rd, Westwood, Broadstairs CT10 2WA
R to @UKHSA: 2️⃣ Westgate Hall
⌚ Opening hours: Open from 8:30am until 7:30pm on 17 March
📍 Westgate Hall, Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury, CT1 2BT
If you were at Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury, Kent on 5, 6 or 7 March, we are asking you to collect precautionary antibiotics due to an outbreak of invasive meningitis. You should only collect antibiotics if you attended the club on these dates.
R to @UKHSA: Opening hours of the sites for antibiotic collection are as follows:
1️⃣ Gate Clinic at Kent and Canterbury Hospital
⌚ Opening hours: Open today until 8pm and from 8.30am until 7:30pm on 17 March.
📍 Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NG
R to @UKHSA: Here is the latest statement from our Regional Deputy Director for the South East, Trish Mannes on the current situation.
📰🔗 Find the full news story here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease-confirmed-in-kent
Cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been confirmed in Kent. Sadly, 2 people are known to have died. It's important to know the signs of symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. Get more info from @NHSuk.
🔗 http://nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis
Vaccines protect your child from measles, whooping cough and other serious illnesses. 🧒
If you're a dad, check if your child has missed vaccinations: look in their red book or speak to your GP practice.
🔗 http://nhs.uk/childhoodvaccinations
Half of all vaccines don't reach those who need them, due to cold chain failures.
UKHSA scientists are supporting trials of a room‑temperature tetanus and diphtheria vaccine – a potential breakthrough for global immunisation.
Read more on our blog: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/13/could-fridge-free-vaccines-transform-global-immunisation/
#Legionnaires' disease is a serious type of #pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila. People contract the disease by breathing in fine water droplets containing #Legionella.
🔗 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/legionnaires-disease/
⚠️ Burkholderia found in certain wipes.
#Burkholderia is a bacteria that rarely causes harm in healthy people but sometimes causes serious infections, particularly for those with certain medical conditions or managing IV lines at home:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/public-advised-to-stop-using-certain-non-sterile-alcohol-free-wipes
For more information on measles and how to protect yourself and your little ones, read our blog post.
🔗 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/05/what-are-the-symptoms-of-measles-and-how-can-i-best-protect-my-child/
Science is everywhere: in our bodies, our food, our classrooms.
This #BritishScienceWeek, meet e-Bug: UKHSA's free health education programme, which helps teachers bring infection science to life from early years to KS3.
Curious? Find out more at 🔗 https://www.e-bug.eu/british-science-week