If you are feeling unwell and unsure or worried please call NHS 111 for advice.

If you or someone you know develops symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia, seek medical help urgently by going to the nearest Accident and Emergency department or calling 999.

Find out the latest on the UKHSA website. 

Antibiotic clinics

Antibiotic tablets are offered to people who do not have symptoms, as a precautionary measure.

Who is eligible for precautionary antibiotics?

  • all students and staff living on campus at University of Kent
  • close household contacts of cases who have been identified by UKHSA or who self-identify as having contact with a confirmed case
  • Club Chemistry staff
  • Club Chemistry attendees 5-7 March. 

No booking is needed and you do not need to bring ID, but bring your NHS number, if you have it. A bottle of water is recommended.

Please note - you cannot pick up medication on the behalf of others.

16,000 students in the Canterbury area have already been contacted by the UK Health Security Agency and where needed have been offered antibiotics on the University of Kent campus.

Antibiotic clinic details

  • Senate Building, University of Kent, CT2 7NZ - Open daily from 9am to 8pm.
  • Gate Clinic, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury CT1 3NG - Open daily from 8.30am to 8pm.
  • Thanet Community Health Hub, Northwood Road, Broadstairs, CT10 2WA - Open daily from 8.30am to 8pm (last patient 7.30pm).
  • Westgate Hall, Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BT - Open daily from 8.30am to 7.30pm.

Am I protected from MenB by childhood vaccines (MenACWY)?

The MenB vaccine was added to the NHS immunisation schedule for infants in 2015, providing protection for babies and young children in the UK. It is separate from the MenACWY.

Teenagers and young adults born before 1 May 2015, will not have received the MenB vaccine as part of the NHS schedule.

Will you be offering vaccinations to students/ young people in response to this outbreak?

This is currently under consideration and any plans to vaccinate in response to this outbreak will be confirmed in due course. For now, the key intervention remains: Antibiotic treatment for those identified as close contacts.

Is there enough antibiotic prophylaxis available?

Yes. There are sufficient antibiotic stocks at the university, hospitals, and the ambulance service. We are working with local resilience partners to ensure effective distribution.

Should students be wearing masks on campus?

UKHSA existing advice should be followed in relation to facemasks - anyone with symptoms of a respiratory illness should wear one if they have to go out. This advice is standard advice and not new.

Some students are going home, what's your advice on that from a safety perspective?

If students have been offered antibiotic prophylaxis then we strongly recommend they pick that up prior to leaving university to ensure they receive and take their antibiotics as soon as possible. They should remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms and seek medical advice if they become unwell.

Are there any restrictions being placed on gatherings or social events on campus?

UKHSA are supporting the university to prevent spread of the infection. If you are a student you should refer to information from the University about any restrictions - these will be emailed to you. If you need support during this time visit: Health and wellbeing - Student support - University of Kent.

Are you advising schools and institutions to close?

UKHSA Health Protection Teams will contact schools, universities or other settings who need to take additional precautions.