Meningitis

We understand that patients are concerned by the meningitis outbreak in Kent.

For information about the disease please see the UK Health Security Agency Website where there is a useful piece about what meningitis is, what the symptoms are and how you can protect yourself. There is also the latest information on the Kent outbreak.

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency

A patient helpline run by UKHSA is now available. Patients can call 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.

When should I seek medical help?

Call 999 immediately or go to your nearest A&E if you think you or someone in your care could have meningitis, septicaemia or sepsis. Trust your instincts and do not wait for all symptoms or for a rash to develop. People with meningitis, septicaemia or sepsis can become seriously unwell very quickly.

Call NHS 111 if you're unsure whether it's serious.

If you've already had medical advice but remain worried or symptoms worsen, seek medical help again.

Any queries about eligibility for antibiotics should be directed to UKHSA via the helpline above. 

Vaccination

Caterham Valley Medical Practice is only able to vaccinate people who are eligible under the existing vaccination programme as below:

MenB vaccine: For babies given at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 1 year

6-in-1 vaccine: For babies given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks

Pneumococcal vaccine: Two doses for babies given at 16 weeks and 1 year; single dose for adults aged 65+

Hib/MenC vaccine: For babies given at 1 year (if born on or before 30 June 2024)

MMR vaccine: For babies given at 1 year, with a second dose at 18 months

MenACWY vaccine: For teenagers aged 13 to 14. It is also offered to people up to the age of 25 who have never had a vaccine containing MenC before.

The Men B vaccine does not protect against all MenB bacterium types.

Published on 18 March 2026