Meningitis B (MenB) Vaccination – Eligibility Information

Following the recent outbreak of Meningococcal group B (MenB) meningitis in the Kent area, we understand many patients have questions about vaccination. This page explains who is eligible for the NHS MenB vaccine and what options may be available privately.

Who Can Receive Preventative Antibiotics?

You may be eligible for preventative antibiotics even if you do not have symptoms if you meet any of the criteria below:

• Students who live on the University of Kent Canterbury Campus
• Staff who live or work in the affected Halls of Residence
• Anyone who attended Club Chemistry on 5th, 6th, or 7th March
• Close contacts identified directly by UKHSA

If you live in Sussex but have recently returned from Kent and fall into one of these groups, you are eligible.

Before antibiotics can be issued, please contact UKHSA on who will refer you to the local service delivered by the ABC GP Federation:
📞 0344 225 3861 (Open 9am–5pm)

MenB Vaccine (Bexsero)

Anyone who is offered preventative antibiotics as part of this outbreak will also be eligible for the MenB vaccine.

You may be eligible if:

• You are a University of Kent student normally living on the Canterbury Campus (including those now back home)
• You are a student living in relevant halls or private accommodation in Canterbury and have been advised to take antibiotics due to a close contact
• You attended Club Chemistry between 5 March and 16 March

If you believe you are eligible, please contact the practice. We will pass your details to our Immunisations Team, who will arrange an appointment.

Please wear a face covering when attending for your vaccine.

Who else Is eligible for the NHS MenB Vaccine?

The MenB vaccine is part of the routine NHS childhood immunisation schedule for babies and young children.

Eligible on the NHS:

• Babies born on or after 1 September 2015
  They are routinely offered the MenB vaccine at:
  • 8 weeks
  • 16 weeks
  • 1 year

• Children under the age of 2
  If they have not completed the full schedule, they may be eligible for up to 3 doses.

Who Is Not Eligible on the NHS?

• Anyone born before 1 September 2015.
• Anyone over 2 years old

These individuals can still access the vaccine, but only through private providers (through certain pharmacies or private clinics). Our practice does not offer MenB privately.

Symptoms to Watch For

Meningitis B can progress rapidly. Seek urgent medical help if symptoms appear, such as:

• High temperature
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Non‑blanching rash (does not fade under a glass)

If you believe you have been in contact with a confirmed case, contact us or NHS 111 immediately

If you are unsure whether you or your child has already received the MenB vaccine, please check your Red Book, the NHS App, or contact the surgery.

Published: Mar 19, 2026