Between 13th & 16th March 2026, UKHSA identified 15 cases of invasive meningococcal disease in the South East. Four cases have been confirmed as meningococcal group B. Most cases are students from the University of Kent, Canterbury, & sixth-form students from local secondary schools. Several cases share exposure at a Canterbury nightclub (Club Chemistry) on 5th–7th March.
There are currently no changes to national guidance on the management of suspected meningococcal disease.
NHS eligibility for the Meningitis B vaccine remains unchanged:
- https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/menb-vaccine-for-children/
- https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/menb-vaccine-for-gonorrhoea/
Patients wanting Meningitis B vaccine outside of these criteria will need to contact a private vaccination service, such as a local Pharmacy.
A letter was sent on 15 March to all University of Kent students & staff with warn & inform information to ensure rapid identification of symptomatic individuals. Treatment is being offered to:
- All students who live on Canterbury campus
- All staff who live or work in affected Halls of Residence
- Anyone who attended Club Chemistry on 5th, 6th & 7th March
- Close contacts who have been identified by UKHSA
Local clinics are currently offering treatment to contacts in the Canterbury area.
If you are registered at The Docs & have returned home from the area & not already received treatment through UKHSA coordinated clinics, please contact us.