Following the outbreak of meningococcal group B in Kent between the 13th 16th March, we would like to provide some important information regarding vaccination:-
The MenB vaccine has been routinely offered since 2015 to children under the age of 2 as part of the standard childhood immunisation programme. If your child is eligible and has not yet received this vaccine, we encourage you to contact the practice to arrange an appointment.
In addition, some adults with certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk, such as asplenia or splenic dysfunction, may also be eligible for the MenB vaccine. If you believe this may apply to you, please get in touch with us to discuss your eligibility.
Currently there is no change to this vaccination programme
The latest NHS England communications regarding the outbreak of meningococcal B disease linked to University of Kent and the area of Canterbury is as follows:-
A letter was sent on 15 March to all University of Kent students and staff with warn and inform information to ensure rapid identification of symptomatic individuals. Antibiotic chemoprophylaxis 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 and 7th March
• Close contacts who have been identified by UKHSA
Local clinics are currently offering chemoprophylaxis to contacts in the Canterbury area. However, if an individual has returned home and not already received prophylaxis through UKHSA coordinated clinics. As of 19 March, vaccination has been extended to everyone who has been offered preventative antibiotic treatment as part of this outbreak.
At the present time, this includes:-
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.
If you are in the cohort above and have returned home and are unable to have your vaccine from Kent/Canterbury campus, please contact the surgery to request the treatment. Further information is also available from NHS 111, UKHSA: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/meningococcal-disease-guidance-on-public-health-management or the meningitis charities: www.meningitis.org and www.meningitisnow.org
