Health Response

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Cases of meningitis in
Canterbury: information
for students and staff

We recognise that this is a very sad and worrying time for our community. We are working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS partners to provide support and guidance. Please read the information below carefully.

Vaccination FAQs

What the University is doing

Meningitis B antibiotics and vaccinations

Following advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), we can share that eligible students and members of staff at the University of Kent can receive the MenB vaccination.

See antibiotic and vaccination clinic opening times. 

Students and staff should take their University of Kent IDs to be able to get the vaccination.

For students that have already returned home you should contact your local GP on how you can receive antibiotics and the vaccine. See the UKHSA Expansion of Meningitis B vaccination offer to Kent Students information here.

MenB antibiotics and the vaccine are being made available to help protect students from becoming seriously unwell with meningitis, and to assist if you are exposed in the future.

This is part of our ongoing commitment to offer a swift response and reassurance to support Kent students at this difficult time.

Symptoms and what to do

Everyone should remain aware of the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia and what to do. One or more of these symptoms may develop and they can appear in any order:

  • High temperature
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Vomiting or diarrhoea and stomach cramps
  • Drowsiness or difficult to wake
  • Confusion and/or irritability
  • Severe muscle pain
  • Pale blotchy skin, spots or rash
  • Severe headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Dislike of bright light
  • Convulsions or seizures.

If you or a friend develops symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia, particularly if symptoms are getting worse, seek medical help urgently at the closest Accident and Emergency Department or by dialling 999.

Latest updates on the UKHSA website

MenB Vaccination FAQs

Following advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), eligible University of Kent students and staff can receive the MenB vaccination.

While two doses of the MenB vaccine helps protect individuals from getting ill with the disease, it does not prevent people from carrying and spreading the bacteria in the community. This programme is therefore being targeted towards those identified as potentially being at ongoing increased risk of exposure.

Find out about the expansion of the Meningitis B vaccination to Kent students

The NHS clinics at the University have now closed. Find NHS Kent and Medway antibiotic and vaccine clinics.

You should take your University of Kent ID to receive the vaccine.

If you don’t have your University of Kent ID, you can log in to Kent Vision to download and print your council tax exemption letter or your module transcripts. Just take one of these along with another form of ID, such as your passport or driving licence.

No. Vaccination is not compulsory in England. 

However, the UKHSA strongly recommends this as the best way to protect yourself against MenB during this outbreak. 

Yes. The MenACWY vaccine does not protect against MenB, which is the strain involved in this outbreak.

For Kent students now out of the area, you should contact your local GP to find out about receiving antibiotics and the vaccine. 

See the UKHSA Expansion of Meningitis B vaccination offer to Kent Students information here.

We expect further opportunities to be made available by the NHS and UKHSA. Please keep an eye on university communications.

General FAQs

Meningococcal meningitis is a serious but uncommon bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It can also lead to sepsis (blood poisoning) and can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. There are multiple strains of meningococcal bacteria, MenA, MenB, MenC, MenW, MenX and MenY.

Symptoms can appear in any order and may include:

  • High temperature
  • Severe headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Vomiting or diarrhoea
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Pale or blotchy skin
  • Rash (including non-fading rash)
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Confusion or irritability
  • Drowsiness or difficulty waking
  • Seizures

Anyone who develops symptoms of meningitis or sepsis should seek medical attention urgently.

Transmission of  MenB requires close and prolonged contact to spread including living in the same household and intimate contact such as kissing or sharing drinks or vapes. The bacteria are not as contagious as other infections such as measles and COVID-19.    

Antibiotics play a crucial role in the response to this outbreak in 2 distinct ways. 

1. Preventative antibiotics (prophylaxis) are being offered to close contacts of confirmed cases as a precautionary measure to help limit further spread. This includes anyone who visited Club Chemistry between 5 - 15 March.  

2. Antibiotics given to treat an infection are used when someone has already become ill. For MenB, prompt treatment with antibiotics is critical - which is why seeking urgent medical help at the first sign of symptoms is so important. 

Advice on antibiotics has been issued to staff and students at the University of Kent, and antibiotics are available at distribution sites.

Preventative antibiotics (also known as prophylaxis) are being offered to all students living in on-campus accommodation at Canterbury, anyone who attended Club Chemistry in Canterbury, Kent between 5 - 15 March, and any individuals who have been in close contact with someone with confirmed or suspected meningitis.

If you have been offered preventative antibiotics, it is strongly advised that you take them as soon as possible.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been contacting individuals who are known to have been in close contact with confirmed cases and advising them on the how to get antibiotics.

A helpline, run by UKHSA, is available. Patients can phone 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.

The NHS clinics at the University have now closed. Find NHS Kent and Medway antibiotic and vaccine clinics.

Seek medical help urgently: 

  • Contact NHS 111 for advice
  • Attend A&E
  • Call 999 in an emergency

If a friend is unwell, check on them regularly — symptoms can worsen quickly. 

The university recognises this is a distressing time and encourages students to contact:

You can also get more information from external charities such as:

Check your university email regularly.

Follow official university communications via the Student and Staff webpages.

Follow the University of Kent on social media @UniKentLive on Instagram. 

Monitor updates from public health authorities.

Follow these pages to get the latest updates for:

17 March 2026

Our response to the meningitis cases.

Read this statement from the University of Kent on the response to cases of meningitis in Canterbury.

Read the full statement

Further information