Meningitis Awareness

Recent reports have confirmed cases of Meningitis B (MenB) in Kent, affecting teenagers and young adults. While the overall risk to the public remains low, it is important to stay aware of symptoms and understand who may be protected by vaccination.

Vaccination and protection

There are different vaccines that protect against different types of meningitis.

MenACWY vaccine

• Routinely offered to teenagers (usually in Year 9 or Year 10).
• Protects against meningitis groups A, C, W and Y.
• Does NOT protect against Meningitis B.

MenB vaccine

• Introduced into the UK childhood immunisation schedule in 2015.
• Given to babies at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year.

This means:

• Children born after 2015 will usually have received the MenB vaccine through the NHS childhood immunisations schedule.
• Teenagers and young adults born before 2015 are unlikely to have had the MenB vaccine routinely.
• For this age group, the MenB vaccine is currently only available privately.

Vaccination offers good protection, but protection can decline over time, and no vaccine protects against every strain, so it is still important to recognise symptoms early.

Checking your child’s vaccination record

If you are unsure whether your child is up to date with their vaccines, please first register with the NHS App and review their vaccination record.

If you believe your child may be behind on their vaccinations after checking the app, please contact the practice. Our team will be happy to check your records and support you in getting any vaccinations brought up to date.

Signs and symptoms of meningitis

Meningitis can develop quickly and symptoms may initially resemble flu.

Early symptoms

• Fever or high temperature
• Headache
• Vomiting or nausea
• Muscle or limb pain
• Cold hands and feet
• Pale, mottled or blotchy skin
• Drowsiness or difficulty waking

More serious symptoms

• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Severe headache
• Seizures (fits)
• Rash that does not fade when pressed

In babies and young children

• High-pitched crying
• Poor feeding
• Bulging soft spot on the head
• Floppiness or difficulty waking

Symptoms can progress quickly and meningitis can become life-threatening within hours, so early treatment is essential.

When to seek medical help

Call NHS 111 or seek urgent medical advice if you are concerned about possible meningitis symptoms.

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if someone has:

• A rash that does not fade when pressed
• Difficulty waking or confusion
• Seizures
• Severe headache with vomiting
• Sensitivity to light with a stiff neck

For further information please visit the NHS website

Published: Mar 18, 2026