University of Kent sites

• Friday, 20 March from 9am to 4.30pm

Other vaccine and antibiotic sites

Vicarage Lane Clinic, Ashford, TN23 1NJ

• Friday, 20 March from 8.30am to 7.30pm
• Saturday, 21 March from 9am to 4.30pm
• Sunday, 22 March from 9am to 4.30pm

Faversham Health Centre, Bank Street, Faversham, ME13 8QR

• Friday, 20 March from 9am to 5pm
• Saturday, 21 March from 9am to 5pm

Gate Clinic, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury CT1 3NG

• Friday, 20 March from 8.30am to 7.30pm
• Saturday, 21 March from 9am to 4.30pm
• Sunday, 22 March, 9am to 4.30pm

Antibiotic-only sites

What are the symptoms to look out for?

Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can include:

• a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
• sudden onset of high fever
• severe and worsening headache
• stiff neck
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• joint and muscle pain
• dislike of bright lights
• very cold hands and feet
• seizures
• confusion or delirium
• extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking.

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. 

Emergency departments do not provide antibiotics for people who do not have symptoms - you will need to visit an antibiotic clinic (listed above).

Advice for patients

We recognise the tragic circumstances of the current meningitis outbreak in Canterbury. 

We are working with the UKHSA and local trusts to ensure hospital staff and GPs are aware and to be vigilant for possible cases in any patients.

To keep yourself and others safe please read the frequently asked questions below.

If you are feeling unwell and unsure or worried please call NHS 111 for advice.

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.

Find out the latest on the UKHSA website. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What has happened?
Between 13 and 15 March 2026, the UKHSA was made aware of thirteen cases of invasive meningococcal disease.

Sadly, two people are known to have died.

UKHSA and the University of Kent are working together to respond to the outbreak and support those affected.

What action has been taken so far in Kent to reassure students?
UKHSA has worked with the University of Kent to provide advice letters to all 16,000 students, advising on recent cases, signs and symptoms, how to obtain antibiotics, and what to do if they feel unwell.

Antibiotics are being made available to students and distributed at a dedicated site on campus.

UKHSA staff continue to contact trace family and friends of known cases to identify anyone else who may be at risk, and to establish a clearer picture of the events leading to this cluster of cases.

UKHSA has worked with the local NHS Trust and ICB to ensure hospital staff and GPs are aware and to be vigilant for possible cases in any patients.

What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but serious illness caused by meningococcal bacteria, which can lead to meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning).

The onset of illness is often sudden, and early diagnosis and treatment are vital.

Which strain is responsible for the outbreak?
UKHSA can confirm that some of the cases of invasive meningococcal disease in Kent have now been identified as group B.

What action is being taken in the community?
UKHSA specialists are interviewing affected individuals and their families to identify close contacts and arrange antibiotics to limit further spread.

Close contacts of cases have already been given antibiotics as a precautionary measure.

Advice and support is being offered to the wider university community, and to local hospitals and NHS 111.
Am I at risk if I have been vaccinated?
The MenACWY vaccine offers good protection against several strains of meningococcal disease and is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10.

However, it does not protect against all strains. Other strains, such as MenB, can circulate among young adults. This is why it is important for everyone to know the signs and symptoms regardless of vaccination status.
Where can I find further 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).