The NHS in Kent and Medway is working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Kent County Council and other partners to respond to the meningococcal outbreak in the east Kent area.   More information can be found on this UKHSA blog, which is also updated frequently. 

Updated: 22 March, 5.06pm.

What should I do if I am concerned about myself or someone else?

If you or someone you know develops symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia, seek medical help urgently by going to the nearest Accident and Emergency department or calling 999.

If a friend goes to bed unwell, check on them regularly. Early treatment can be lifesaving. You can also contact NHS 111 if you are concerned. Call 999 in an emergency.

Helpline

A patient helpline, run by UKHSA, is now available. Patients can  phone 0344 225 3861, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm,

if they have no symptoms but are concerned they have been in contact with a confirmed case or have a general enquiry.

Antibiotics and vaccines update

Thank you to everyone coming forward for meningitis B vaccinations and antibiotics. Please be patient as we work through the large number of people at the clinics we are running in the east Kent area. 

The first priority is the antibiotic. If you're eligible, please take up this offer. This is a precautionary measure to prevent the disease from developing.

Please be reassured that if you need the vaccine, there will be an opportunity for you to receive it.

The eligibility list from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is:

• close contacts of those who are confirmed or suspected to have meningococcal disease. 
• 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 preventative antibiotics and are eligible for vaccination.
• students who attend other universities in Canterbury, living in halls of residence or off-campus locations where there has been a case,
• and have been advised to take an antibiotic due to a close contact by UKHSA.
• sixth form students (years 12 and 13) attending a secondary school or sixth form college in Kent where there has been a confirmed
• or probable case of meningococcal disease informed by local risk assessment.
• anyone who visited or was working at Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 March and 15 March, when the venue closed voluntarily. 

Please only attend a clinic if you are included in this group. Read the full list of clinics.

If you are eligible but have already left the area, you can receive the vaccine at your local GP practice.ive the vaccine at your local GP practice.

More information and support

• NHS: www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis.
• Meningitis Research Foundation: www.meningitis.org | 0808 800 3344 (24 hours).
• Meningitis Now: www.meningitisnow.org | 0808 80 10 388 (9am-8pm).