Who is eligible for preventative antibiotics and vaccines?

Anyone in the following groups who has been offered preventative antibiotics (also known as prophylaxis) is being offered the MenB vaccine. At the present time, this includes:

The eligibility list from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is:

  • close contacts of those who are confirmed or suspected to have meningococcal disease
  • students at the University of Kent who are normally resident on the Canterbury Campus, including those who may have now travelled home. Some staff living or working in these Halls of Residence have also been offered preventative antibiotics and are eligible for vaccination
  • students who attend other universities in Canterbury, living in halls of residence or off-campus locations where there has been a case, and have been advised to take an antibiotic due to a close contact by UKHSA
  • sixth form students (years 12 and 13) attending a secondary school or sixth form college in Kent where there has been a confirmed or probable case of meningococcal disease informed by local risk assessment
  • anyone who visited or was working at Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 March and 15 March, when the venue closed voluntarily
  • year 11s in schools where the vaccination offer has already been made. Eligible students will receive information from their school with details of how to access the vaccine. They should not be brought to a vaccination clinic.
  • students from other universities, who may be returning to Kent for the Easter holidays, are not eligible for the vaccine. 

Eligible students will receive information from their school or university with details of how to access antibiotics and the vaccine.

If you are eligible, you can receive an antibiotic and the vaccine at your local GP practice, even if you have already left the area.

There is also a clinic available at University Medical Practice, Canterbury, for those who cannot visit their own GP. See details below.

If you have symptoms you should call 999 or attend an A&E department.

Updated: 10 April 2026

 

Antibiotics only over weekend 11 and 12 April 2026

Only antibiotics will be available for eligible people via 111 over the weekend of 11 and 12 April 2026.

111 call handlers will be able to support requests for a prescription or will direct your call to out of hours services, who will be able to assist. 

Once prescribed, antibiotics will be available to collect from a local community pharmacy. 

Please note: In accordance with UKHSA advice, antibiotics will no longer be offered after midnight on 12 April.

 

First dose vaccination clinic – Monday, 13 to Thursday, 16 April 2026

From Monday 13 April 2026 until Thursday 16 April 2026 first dose vaccinations can continue to be booked at: 

•    University Medical Practice, Giles Lane, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7PB
•    Monday to Friday
•    9am to 4pm.

All appointments should be booked in advance by calling 01227 469336.
Please call Monday to Wednesday, between 9am and 4:30pm to book.

 

Booking a second dose vaccination

Eligible people will be able to book in for a second dose of the vaccine via an online booking system from next week. 

Appointment slots will be available via the online booking system in multiple clinics and hubs across Canterbury, Faversham and Ashford. 

More information on how to book will be published on this page, in the week commencing 13 April.