T hank you for the continued professionalism and commitment you are showing in response to the current bacterial meningitis incident. We know this is adding to an already significant workload across primary care. This information hub is designed to help you in these difficult times .
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) continues to lead the response to the meningococcal outbreak in the Canterbury area. This information hub is for general practice teams about invasive meningococcal disease notified in Kent and is updated regularly.
Prophylactic antibiotics and vaccinations for eligible cohorts are available at sites in east Kent. If patients contact you asking for these, please signpost them to our public Meningitis outbreak information hub for details. Appointments aren't needed.
This is a recording of the webinar held on Wednesday, 8 April.
To help reduce pressure on practices, we would appreciate your help in providing accurate information and reassurance to your patients and promote NHS Kent and Medway's meningitis outbreak information hub.
You can do this by using this social media and website content.
For patients presenting with suspected or confirmed meningococcal disease, standard infection prevention and control precautions (SICPs) and transmission‑based precautions (TBPs) should be followed in line with the NHS England » National infection prevention and control manual (NIPCM) for England. (see Appendix 11, page 7).
If you need support, contact your local IPC Lead, who can contact the KM ICB IPC Team at kmicb.kmipc@nhs.net for further support.
What is the current situation and operational response?
A meningitis B outbreak is being managed through a coordinated response involving NHS, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), local authorities, and providers. Antibiotic prophylaxis is being delivered via designated centres, with more than 5,000 doses administered to date.
Who is eligible for antibiotic prophylaxis?
The eligibility list from the UK Health Security Agency is:
How is prophylaxis being delivered?
Through designated antibiotic centres. Details are available on the patient information hub .
Should GP practices prescribe ciprofloxacin?
No. Practices should direct eligible patients to antibiotic centres.
Only consider prescribing in exceptional circumstances where patients cannot attend (compassionate basis).
Will more centres open?
Yes, additional sites have opened. More information on the patient information hub.
Is a vaccination programme being introduced?
The NHS is offering eligible people vaccines as a precautionary measure.
The eligibility list from the UK Health Security Agency is:
Where are the vaccination sites?
The vaccination sites can be found on the patient information hub.
What about two-year-olds and above, and vaccine stock?
Stock levels and catch-up vaccination are under review. Further guidance to follow.
UKHSA recommends, in accordance with the national IPC manual:
If you need support, contact your local IPC Lead, who can contact the KM ICB IPC Team at kmicb.kmipc@nhs.net for further support.
What counts as a “close contact”?
A "close contact" for meningitis (specifically bacterial/meningococcal) is defined as someone with prolonged, direct exposure to a patient's respiratory droplets or oral secretions within 7 days before illness onset. This typically includes household members, intimate partners, or sharing, food, vapes, or drinks, posing a high risk.
Why are Club Chemistry attendees included?
Inclusion is based on UKHSA risk assessment due to the nature of the event.
Should spirometry or cough-generating procedures stop?
No. Continue as normal unless national guidance changes.
Will additional system capacity be provided (e.g. UTCs)?
This is under review as the situation evolves.
How should practices prioritise work (e.g. QOF)?
Focus on patient care and outbreak response as a priority. No formal QOF guidance issued at this stage.
Will standard website messaging be provided?
Yes. Practices will receive standard wording directing patients to the central ICB website.
Are issues with NHS 111 being addressed?
Yes. Work is ongoing to improve communication and reduce inappropriate GP workload.
What about communication with schools?
This is being managed centrally to ensure consistent messaging.
What is the purpose of the advice line?
For general advice and reassurance only.
It is not a clinical assessment service. Symptomatic patients should still be assessed by a clinician.
How will GP queries be handled?
A central query system is being developed. Details to follow.
What is the guidance on PLT and training?
PLT is paused for this and next week.
Routine face-to-face care and training should continue.
What is happening with CQC inspections?
CQC has been informed. A pause in inspections has been requested; outcome pending.