Update following the meningitis outbreak in Kent

Doctor wearing mask with image of germ beside him

At this time there are no suspected or confirmed cases of meningitis in South Wales or elsewhere in Wales linked to the outbreak in Kent.

Updated information about the outbreak in Kent is available from the UK Health Security Agency.

Meningitis B vaccination is not routinely offered to older children and adults through the NHS in Wales. Please do not contact your GP surgery or our school immunisation teams to request the MenB vaccine.

We recommend that young people, parents and families familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of meningitis and sepsis.

These conditions can progress rapidly from mild symptoms to severe illness. Babies, young children, teenagers and young adults (especially those in close-contact settings like colleges and universities) are at higher risk.

Vaccination against meningitis

Bacterial meningitis can be caused by a number of different types of bacteria. Several vaccinations in the routine vaccination schedule in Wales offer protection against meningitis.

For the best protection against preventable illness, it is vital that children and young people are fully vaccinated.

NHS vaccinations offered in Wales are based on recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and the Welsh Government. Details of the routine NHS vaccination schedule in Wales are available here.

Frequently asked questions

This page will be kept under review and will be updated as new information becomes available.