The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is currently investigating an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease in the Canterbury area of Kent. A number of patients have contacted the practice regarding this, and we would like to provide reassurance and share the latest public health advice.
Investigations have confirmed that some of the cases are group B meningococcal disease. Some cases have been linked to a venue in Canterbury, and public health teams are working closely with local partners, including the University of Kent, to identify close contacts and provide preventative antibiotics where appropriate.
Since 2015, the MenB vaccine has been available on the NHS as part of routine childhood immunisations and so those aged over 10 have not received it as part of the routine schedule. There is no routine MenB vaccination programme for older children, teenagers and young adults currently.
At present, this outbreak is localised to Kent, and there is no evidence of wider community spread in London. The UKHSA is actively managing the situation and contacting those considered to be at higher risk directly.
All updates to the situation are being published here.