Department of Health and Social Care

Our targeted vaccination programme is underway in response to the meningitis outbreak in Kent. Eligible students will have received an invite. Hear from those who took up the offer straight away 👇 More info on the outbreak: ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18/men…

The MenACWY vaccine is offered to teenagers in the UK, but it doesn't protect against MenB, the strain behind the meningitis outbreak in Kent. This is why we are offering the MenB vaccine to certain eligible groups, Dr Vanessa Saliba explains the protection it offers down below.

Kent meningitis outbreak latest - eligibility for the MenB vaccine has been expanded. Keep up with the outbreak on our blog post. 🔗 ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18/men…

Huge thanks to the @NHSEngland @UniKent team for standing up our vaccination centre in Canterbury so quickly and with such professionalism in challenging circumstances. They deserve real credit. Over 600 students through yesterday afternoon and more coming through now.

A sight for sore eyes. Huge thanks to everyone involved in standing up the vaccination programme in Canterbury in a matter of days. This rapid work is crucial in protecting students. I urge every eligible student to come forward.

Eligible students at the University of Kent will have received an invite for vaccination. For wider information on the meningitis outbreak, read our blog post. 🔗 ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18/men…

Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Swipe through to find out what to look out for and more on when to get help.

The latest updates on the meningitis outbreak in Kent can be found here: 📰🔗 gov.uk/government/new…

I know there is a lot of concern about the meningitis outbreak in Kent. We've already given out 2,500 doses of antibiotics. Our vaccine programme starts today for students in Canterbury Campus Halls of Residence. If you have symptoms, call NHS 111 or in an emergency dial 999.

I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the two students who tragically died following the outbreak of Meningitis in Kent. This is also a deeply difficult time for the families of others who are seriously ill. We are working closely with health experts to distribute antibiotics and begin a targeted vaccine programme.

Health and Social Care Secretary @WesStreeting updates @BBCBreakfast on what people need to know following the outbreak of meningitis in Kent. ◉ local antibiotic provision ◉ targeted vaccination programme ◉ how it is spread

Meningitis symptoms can develop quickly, so it’s important to act immediately if you spot them. More info ➡️ nhs.uk/conditions/men…

🆕 It's been confirmed that some of the meningitis cases linked to Club Chemistry in Canterbury, Kent are MenB.

Thinking of those affected by the Kent meningococcal outbreak. To students in Canterbury – please look out for each other. Symptoms can come on fast and can be confused with cold, flu or hangover. Fever, rash, severe headache – seek help immediately. Call NHS 111 or 999.

Deeply concerned by the meningococcal disease outbreak in Kent. UKHSA is working urgently with the University of Kent and local NHS to protect students and staff. Know the signs – fever, severe headache, rash that doesn't fade under a glass. Call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.

Anyone with symptoms should call NHS 111 or in an emergency, dial 999 to seek medical attention. More info: nhs.uk/conditions/men… To read the statement from Parliament in full: gov.uk/government/spe…

Health and Social Care Secretary @WesStreeting updates MPs on the outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent. "We will begin a targeted vaccination programme for students living in halls of residence at the University of Kent in Canterbury, which will begin in the coming days."

Cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been confirmed in Kent. Sadly, 2 people are known to have died. It's important to know the signs of symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. Get more info from @NHSuk. 🔗 nhs.uk/conditions/men…

Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. The NHS website has all the information you need, including what to look out for and when to get medical help. ➡️ nhs.uk/conditions/men…

NHS waiting lists are down again ✅ As seen on screen 🖥️ @WesStreeting explains our latest progress from the Community Diagnostic Centre in Wood Green, London 👇