The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has sadly confirmed an outbreak of meningitis in Kent that has resulted in the deaths of a university student and a year 13 pupil. There are also confirmed cases of people having fallen ill with symptoms of meningitis and septicemia.
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis causes swelling of the membranes lining the brain and spinal cord, which itself can be life-threatening, as well as the risk of brain or nerve damage in those who recover. But there’s also a high risk of blood infection, leading to sepsis, once the bacteria crosses the blood-brain barrier.
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
Symptoms – which include a high temperature, severe headache, cold hands and feet, a stiff neck, delirium and fatigue – can worsen extremely rapidly. A rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
How can I protect myself?
Thankfully, vaccination has reduced the burden of meningitis across the board.
Babies are offered routine immunisation against meningitis B, the most common strain.
The NHS also vaccinates teenagers, typically in year 9 or 10, with the meningitis ACWY jab that protects against other, less common, but equally dangerous strains.The Meningitis B vaccine was added to the UK NHS childhood immunisation programme for babies born on or after 1 July 2015. That means current teenagers will not have been able to have it.
How do I check whether I have been vaccinated?
The easiest way is to use the NHS app to check your vaccination status
Is there a particular cohort you are recalling?
Those who are currently up to 25years of age should have been offered a meningitis ACWY vaccine in Year 9 of school. For this cohort of patients who have previously declined or not had one and are eligible for a meningitis ACWY vaccine can be offered one
What about the meningitis B vaccine?
Currently the meningitis B vaccine is only available to babies born on or after 1st July 2015, unfortunately other age groups wishing for this vaccine would need to seek their own arrangements privately
Is there any other support available?
For any other queries Child Health Information Services are contactable on 0300 561 0294 Option 2. or complete an online patient request link below.
Follow this link to read more about Meningitis
How can I book to have a meningitis ACWY vaccine click here.