News
Meningitis B
We understand the current Meningitis B outbreak in Kent is causing concern for young people, parents and carers.
Transmission of Meningitis B requires close and prolonged contact to spread including living in the same household and intimate contact such as kissing or sharing drinks or vapes. The bacteria are not as contagious as other infections such as measles and COVID-19.
At present, we have been advised by UKSHA to continue to offer our routine vaccinations. We deliver Meningococcal A C W Y (MenACWY) vaccines to eligible children, this is routinely offered in Year 9.
The MenACWY vaccine is one injection that will protect against the four groups of meningococcal infection. Only one vaccination is required as a teenager. If this has been missed in year 9, it is available either in a school catch up or community clinic until students leave school in year 11. We recommend you ensure your child is up to date with their MenACWY vaccination.
For further information and to keep yourselves up to date with the latest developments from UKSHA : Meningitis B outbreak: what you need to know – UK Health Security Agency or their daily updates: Cases of invasive meningococcal disease notified in Kent – GOV.UK
Page last reviewed: 20 March, 2026