Patient Notice - Meningitis
Due to a recent outbreak of meningococcal disease in the UK, including confirmed cases of Meningitis B in young adults, we are providing the following update on meningitis and vaccinations:
If You Suspect Meningitis
Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis.
Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.
Call NHS 111 for advice if you're not sure if it's anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis.
If you've had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again.
Vaccinations
For anyone in the below cohorts, please reach out to the practice for MenB vaccination information:
a. Students at the University of Kent who are normally resident on the Canterbury Campus, including those who may have now travelled home. Some staff living or working in these Halls of Residence have also been offered antibiotic prophylaxis.
b. Students in relevant halls of residence or other private dwellings who attend other universities in Canterbury and have been advised to take an antibiotic due to a close contact.
c. Individuals who attended Club Chemistry from 5 March until it closed voluntarily on March 16.
We are currently awaiting updated guidance from the UK Government regarding the availability and eligibility criteria for the MenB vaccine for anyone outside of the above groups. At this time, we are not offering additional MenB vaccinations.
If you are eligible for, or have questions about, the MenACWY (Meningococcal ACWY) vaccine, please contact the practice to discuss your options.
This guidance may change in the coming weeks.
Further Information
For further information, please visit:
NHS - Meningitis - NHS
UK Gov - UK Health Security Agency - GOV.UK
Meningitis Now - Meningitis Now | Meningitis charity | Research and awareness