The NHS in Kent and Medway continues to work with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Kent County Council and other partners to respond to the meningococcal outbreak in the east Kent area. 

Antibiotics and vaccines update

Anyone in the following groups who has been offered preventative antibiotics (also known as prophylaxis) is being offered the MenB vaccine. At the present time, this includes:

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
• year 11s in schools where the vaccination offer has already been made. Eligible students will receive information from their school with details of how to access the vaccine. They should not be brought to a vaccination clinic .
• students from other universities, who may be returning to Kent for the Easter holidays, are not eligible for the vaccine. 

Vaccines and antibiotics are now only available via bookable appointments or by contacting your general practice. Please check the details. 

Published: Apr 8, 2026