The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an alert to NHS staff across England on signs and symptoms of meningitis to look out for.
It said the illness in the Kent outbreak had been severe with rapid deterioration.
The alert advice includes not waiting for a rash to appear but considering meningitis in “a rapidly deteriorating patient with sepsis”.
The fatal outbreak of meningitis B has spread to a second Kent university. Leaders at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) said the agency had confirmed one case of meningococcal disease involving a student there, linked to the initial cluster associated with Club Chemistry.
A major vaccine rollout scheme for students at the University of Kent is under way as health chiefs tackle the “explosive” outbreak of meningitis B.
Meanwhile, pharmacies say they are running out of supplies of the vaccine as demand for private uptake soars.
On Wednesday morning the UKHSA said experts were investigating 20 cases, and health secretary Wes Streeting warned cases may well continue to rise because the incubation period - between infection and when symptoms appear - is two to 14 days.
Warning issued as bookings for meningitis vaccine surge across UK after Kent outbreak
Meningitis: Health chiefs dealing with ‘explosive’ and ‘unprecedented’ outbreak
Full list of schools with confirmed or suspected cases of meningitis
Meningitis B expert answers your questions as Kent outbreak leaves two dead
Key Points
- Second university in Kent confirms meningitis case
- Pharmacies running low on supplies of jab
- Case numbers rise to 20, UKHSA says
- Health bosses coordinating national response
- Super-spreader event causing explosive toll of infections, says health chief
- Mapped: Meningitis B vaccination rates in your area revealed as demand for jab surges
- New rollout of vaccine to cover 5,000 students in halls of residence
Instant queue forms for jabs
20:45 , Jane DaltonWithin 20 minutes of the vaccination centre at the University of Kent opening, and eligible students receiving the invitation email, a queue wrapping around the building had formed.
Security walked along the queue handing out blue face masks and telling students that they would not be allowed into the building without one.
One student who arrived about an hour after the vaccination centre opened was shocked by the length of the queue.
Canter Bonny, 19, said: "I didn't expect it to be this long this quickly and it's not getting any shorter. I may have to leave and come back again tomorrow.
"It's really scary because the meningitis outbreak is very close to my house and my mum said I should come and get the jab."
He said his family were worried about him staying on campus.
The computer science student said: "My mum has called me every day telling me to come home. I've come here today because she wants me to have the right precautions first before coming home."
Author speaks out about son’s death from meningitis
19:45 , Jane Dalton
Author Michael Rosen speaks out about teen son’s death from meningitis
Meningitis B: the infection spread through sneezing and kissing
19:00 , Jane Dalton
What is meningitis B? Symptoms, vaccine and what to avoid after two die in Kent
Government ‘playing Russian roulette’ by not offering all young people jab, campaigners say
17:58 , Jane Dalton
Government ‘playing Russian roulette by not offering all young people meningitis jab’
Health agency issues alert to NHS staff
17:31 , Jane DaltonThe UK Health Security Agency has issued an alert for NHS staff across England on signs and symptoms of meningitis to look out for.
It said the illness in the Kent outbreak “has been severe with rapid deterioration”.
It urges clinical staff to take infection-control measures before patients are put on antibiotics, such as face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE).
Staff should “continue transmission-based precautions until the patient has been established on antibiotics for at least 24 hours”.
The alert also urges doctors to have a “high index of suspicion where a young person aged 16 to 30 attends with consistent signs or symptoms”.
And it warns that staff should not wait for a rash to appear but should consider meningitis in “a rapidly deteriorating patient with sepsis”.
In pictures: Students queue for vaccine rollout
17:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Inside UK health agency response to Kent crisis which left two dead
16:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneUniversity students residing in Kent halls are being offered the meningitis B vaccine as health officials work to contain an "unprecedented" outbreak that has already claimed two lives.
It comes as a second university in Kent confirms its first case of meningococcal disease, which can lead to meningitis.
You can read a full timeline of the response to the outbreak below:
How UK health agency responded to Meningitis outbreak which left two dead
Student says he is in 'panic mode' over meningitis outbreak
16:25 , Nicole Wootton-CaneLeonardo Veiga, 20, thought the University of Kent was slow to respond to the crisis and called for better hospital provisions in Canterbury.
The business management student said: “On Sunday when everyone found out on the news, before the university even emailed us, I think there was a big panic.
“It was completely reasonable panic because, why are we finding out from a news outlet when we’re literally in the town where it’s been affected?
“If this isn’t a sign to get A&E in Canterbury, which is 24/7, then I don’t know what is. It’s so sickening.”
Mr Veiga has decided he will not get the vaccination on Wednesday.
He said: “Today’s panic mode. I’m going to see how I feel and then probably get the jab tomorrow.”
Mr Veiga isolated before taking the antibiotics handed out at the Senate building on campus.
He said: “I was not going to wait for two hours just to get antibiotics. So, I just stayed in my room and isolate myself until I could get it.”
Canterbury Christ Church University confirms first case
16:11 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA second university in Kent has confirmed its first case of meningitis amid a wider outbreak of the disease.
In a statement, Canterbury Christ Church University’s vice-chancellor and principal professor Rama Thirunamachandran said:"The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has now confirmed one case of meningococcal disease involving a CCCU student. We have reached out to support the individual directly.
“This case is linked to the initial cluster associated with Club Chemistry. We continue to work with UKHSA, public health clinicians and other partners on the appropriate response.
“We recognise this is an anxious and challenging time for the CCCU and wider community, and the wellbeing of our students and staff remains our absolute priority.
“In line with UKHSA advice, our campus remains open and core teaching, learning and research activities will continue."
Watch: Streeting says Meningitis cases 'may well' continue to rise after Kent outbreak
16:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAbuse and intimidation towards pharmacy staff 'unacceptable', pharmacy chief says
15:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneOlivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association has said abuse and intimidation levelled at pharmacy staff by those seeking the menB vaccination are “unacceptable.
"Pharmacies are being inundated by requests from concerned patients for MenB vaccination, which the vast majority of our members across the country have no stock currently available to fulfil,” he said.
"Most pharmacies provide MenB vaccinations as a small scale service, originally intended for patients who require it for travel or those who did not receive an NHS vaccine, and therefore do not carry significant amounts of excess stock.
"We have heard of some reports of abuse and intimidation aimed at pharmacy staff during this period from a small minority of patients, which is absolutely unacceptable.
"We understand that health officials may wish to preserve stock of vaccination for those most at need during this outbreak and pharmacies stand ready, to help in any potential NHS vaccination campaign.
"It's clear there are gaps in the original national vaccination strategy and we want to reach those in most need."We are awaiting clarification about any future plans for MenB vaccination.
"If you have any concerns, please contact NHS 111and consult advice available on the NHS App."
Students say they feel 'more protected' after receiving meningitis jab
15:35 , Nicole Wootton-CaneUniversity of Kent international business student Rebecca Chapman told reporters in the sports hall on the Canterbury campus that she felt the situation had been dealt with “quite well” and feels more protected now she has had the meningitis vaccine.
“I think we’ve got information as quickly as they could give it to us. I’m glad we’re getting the vaccinations because obviously we were too young to have them when they came out,” the 21-year-old said.
“People are nervous, because obviously it’s quite scary, but we are aware that it’s not that contagious as like, bad as Covid was, but it is a bit scary walking around campus and there’s no one about.
“I feel a lot more protected. I’m less scared, and I did get the antibiotic as well, so I feel a lot more protected from the risk.”
Management student, Lucy, who did not give her last name, said she was “impressed” with the rollout, adding: “I only just got the email whilst I was on a walk, so I thought, better get here quick before the queues start. But yeah, I’m quite impressed with how quick it’s coming around.
The 21-year-old said: “I’ve got an online exam tomorrow, so I’m going to be staying on campus, but after that I think I feel protected enough that I can go home.”
Chance of wider spread low, says diseases professor
15:25 , Jane DaltonOne expert said the likelihood of wider spread of meningitis is still low.
Paul Hunter, professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia and an expert in infectious diseases, said there were two issues around whether cases could spread more widely outside Kent.
"One is, could people currently incubating the infection have moved elsewhere and become sick?" he said, noting that one person with links to Canterbury who was sick attended a London hospital.
"The other issue is could there be secondary cases from affected people? And that is also possible.
"So, there will be new contacts of cases who got sick from the nightclub but themselves didn't visit (Club Chemistry).
"The issue is whether this strain of menB could spread more widely in society.
"It's certainly possible but difficult to say with certainty.
"It is not clear yet how common the strain causing this outbreak has been in recent years. Without that knowledge, difficult to say.
"But I think the likelihood of wider spread is still low."
First student to get jab raps university for 'slow' alert
15:05 , Jane DaltonThe first student to be given a meningitis B vaccine at the University of Kent campus was Oliver Contreras.
The 22-year-old postgraduate law student said: "I'm pretty happy that I've got one now."
Mr Contreras, from Brighton, was the first one through the door at Sports Hall 2 on the Canterbury campus, and said his dad really wanted him to get it before heading home.
"My tenancy ends this weekend, so I wanted to make sure I got it on time," he said.
He added he was "not so happy" about the university letting people know "a bit too late", adding: "All these social events went ahead on Sunday, and I was at one of them, and I kind of wish I'd got more information before all that."
Top pharmacist calls on NHS to implement national vaccination programme
14:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe chief executive of a major pharmacy association has called on the NHS to implement a nationally coordinated meningitis B vaccination programme.
Dr Leyla Hannbeck, of the Independent Pharmacies Association, said: “The NHS must urgently launch a nationally coordinated vaccination programme, delivered through community pharmacies, to ensure teenagers and young people across the country can access Meningitis B vaccines quickly and easily.
"We are already seeing demand rise rapidly. Many pharmacies, particularly those in the south, are getting requests every minute from worried parents asking for the meningitis vaccination. The majority of pharmacies have run out of stock and cannot order any in from the suppliers. This underlines why a localised response is not sufficient and risks creating a postcode lottery in access to protection.
"We are asking JCVI to approve a nationwide pharmacy-led rollout to reach teenagers and young adults at pace, protect vulnerable groups, and prevent further spread. The government must act now to deliver this without delay.”
What is meningitis B? Symptoms, vaccine and what to avoid after two die in Kent
14:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHealth chiefs are investigating 20 cases of meningitis in Kent due to an “explosive” outbreak that has left two dead.
The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the rise, up from 15, on Wednesday, adding it is deploying a national response to the crisis.
Top doctors said it is unusual to see such a rapid spread of cases of meningitis, blaming a “super-spreader” event for the surge in numbers.
But what is meningitis B? And how can you spot it?
You can read all you need to know below:
What is meningitis B? Symptoms, vaccine and what to avoid after two die in Kent
Off-campus student 'has no idea how to get jab'
13:51 , Jane DaltonA University of Kent student said she had "no idea" how to get the meningitis vaccination because she lives away from the university.
The architecture student, who gave her name only as Sophie, told the Press Association: "I think people that live in on-campus accommodation are going to get them, but we live off-campus so we are really not sure."
She said students had fled the city after the news broke.
She said: "It's so quiet now, most of our friends have gone home, it's weird.
"We are the only two left in our house and we're both going home today."
Sophie said she received antibiotics on Tuesday, but was waiting to take the pills until she knew whether she had been in close contact with anyone who has become ill.
She added: "Normally I'd be out in the clubs but I've been stuck in the library for the last two weeks, which has worked out quite well."
New jab rollout to cover 5,000 students in halls of residence
13:44 , Jane DaltonA programme has begin at the University of Kent to offer the vaccine to the 5,000 students living in halls of residence at the Canterbury campus.
The UKHSA says it will provide updates in due course.
Jabs offered to all students on campus from today
13:42 , Jane DaltonMeningitis B vaccines will be offered to all students living on the University of Kent's Canterbury campus from today, the university said.
A university spokeswoman said: "Today, the university - in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) - are rolling out the first targeted Meningitis B vaccination programme to all students living on our Canterbury campus.
"Alongside this, we will continue to offer precautionary antibiotics to staff and students that may be affected.
"This is part of our ongoing commitment to offer a swift response and reassurance to support Kent students at this difficult time."
Meningitis Now charity calls for meningitis B vaccine to be offered young people
13:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s health reporter Rebecca Whittaker reports:
The charity Meningitis Now is calling for the menB vaccine to be made available at a “fair price” on the high street and for it to be offered to teenagers and young people as part of the NHS vaccination programme.
“Meningitis Now is calling for the menB vaccine to be available at a fair price on the high street – so more people can make an informed choice and have the option to privately vaccinate their loved ones if they wish,” a spokesperson said.
“But we also believe the menB vaccine should be offered to teenagers and young people as part of the NHS vaccination programme. There is no other way to prevent menB disease – we must vaccinate young people to protect them.”
The menB vaccine is available privately from Boots and Superdrug for £220 for two doses of the jab, which are to be taken at least a month apart. In comparison, the ACWY vaccine is £57 a dose and is offered to teenagers in school on the NHS, but can be given up to the age of 25 if it has been missed.
Vaccine stocks are 'sufficient', health chiefs say
13:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) spokesperson said that "there are sufficient MenB vaccine stocks".
The UKHSA "will work with local resilience partners to ensure effective distribution", they added.
It comes after reported shortages in private stocks of the vaccinations.
Student describes Kent University campus as 'ghost town'
13:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneEconomics student Mohammed Olayinka was still on campus following the outbreak as he did not think it was worth the risk of travelling and potentially spreading it to family.
The 21-year-old said of campus: “It’s a bit of a ghost town isn’t it?
“It’s been mixed, have people saying best off to stay here, people that panicked and left.
“I really can’t blame them. (There’s) an air of uncertainty to go out.”
The third year student took the antibiotics on Tuesday as he had been in the library a lot and thought it was “risky” and worth taking the medicine.
Pharmacy reports 'high demand' for vaccine
12:37 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s health reporter Rebecca Whittaker reports:
Medway Pharmacy, in Kent, which offers the menB vaccine privately, said it had only a few doses left of the jab.
A pharmacist told The Independent the “demand is quite high” and they had been experiencing a high volume of calls from parents asking where to get the vaccine from.
“Parents are worried about their young children,” a pharmacist said. “Some of them missed out apparently and so they're coming to get it now.”
The pharmacist added that about seven people have booked to get a vaccine this afternoon.
However, the pharmacy said it is not low in supply of antibiotics.
Watch: Starmer pays tribute to two young people who died of meningitis
12:14 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWatch: Everything you need to know
12:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMeningitis vaccine petition hits 43,000 amid Kent outbreak
11:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA petition demanding the NHS extend the MenB vaccine to 16–23 year olds has surged past 43,000 signatures following the deaths of two young people in Kent.
Marissa Mullans, from Manchester, launched her petition, Meningitis B vaccine for all 16 to 23 year olds, not just those born after September 2015, in October 2024, following the death of her son, Alfie Jake Mullans the previous year, aged just 18.
The petition reached over 40,000 signatures last year, but has seen another surge in support following the Kent outbreak.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he has asked the JCVI – the independent group of scientists who advise the government on vaccinations – to revisit their advice on whether the vaccine should be rolled out on the NHS.
Numbers of meningitis B cases may still rise, top doctor says
11:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s health reporter Rebecca Whittaker reports:
A leading doctor has called meningitis B a “severe disease” as he suggested case numbers could yet rise.
Dr Michael Head, senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton, said the targeted vaccination programme is a “sensible” response to the current outbreak.
“The current response, for example the targeted vaccination programme is sensible, providing public health benefit and hopefully reassurance for those who are potentially exposed,” he said.
“Antibiotics are highly effective as a preventative measure.
“We may well see more cases, specific to the Kent outbreak, but also unrelated and elsewhere in the UK. In recent years, vaccination has greatly reduced meningitis cases and deaths. However, there are still around 300 cases of meningitis B per year in the UK. That is an average of roughly one per day.
“Therefore, we would expect to see some reporting of suspected and confirmed cases, outside of this particularly severe Kent outbreak. Local hospitals and public health teams will manage them.
“Meningitis B is a severe disease, that is still with us.“
Mapped: Meningitis B vaccination rates in your area revealed as demand for jab surges
10:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneVaccination coverage against the main causes of meningitis varies significantly across England, analysis of government data reveals – as health bosses call on parents to ensure their children are fully up to date in the wake of two deaths in Kent.
The latest annual data from the UKHSA for 2024/25 shows that despite menB coverage for one-year-olds rising to 91 per cent from 90.6 per cent in 2023/24, it is still below the pre-Covid peak in 2019/20, when it was 92.5 per cent.
You can see the rates of coverage for your area below:
Mapped: Meningitis B vaccination rates in your area as demand for jab surges
Student 'left blind and unable to walk' after contracting disease
10:35 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA law student at Kent University was left “unable to see, move or speak” after contracting meningitis B, it has been reported.
Annabelle Mackay is recovering in hospital after doctors confirmed she had been struck down following her 21st birthday celebrations in Club Chemistry on 4 March, according to The Sun.
The newspaper reported she was carried downstairs by her housemates after her mum sensed something was “dangerously wrong”.
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
10:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneEarly warning signs of meningitis include a high temperature, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain and stomach cramps.
As the condition develops, it can make people drowsy, irritable and confused, as well as cause severe muscle pain, pale, blotchy skin, spots or a rash, stiff neck, an aversion to bright lights and convulsions or seizures.
Meningitis Now urges people not to wait until someone develops a rash and to seek medical help if someone is ill and displaying these symptoms.
Probable case of meningococcal disease being investigated at Belfast school
10:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHealth officials in Northern Ireland are investigating a probable case of meningococcal disease in a pupil at a Belfast school.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) said the case is not linked to the ongoing meningitis outbreak in England, which has claimed the lives of two young people.
Parents of children at Bloomfield Collegiate School in the east of the city have been contacted by health officials.
Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis.
The PHA said it would continue to monitor the situation.
The statement added “PHA is aware of the meningitis incident in Kent and is participating in regular UK-wide meetings in relation to this.
“To date there is no evidence of spread beyond the south east of England.”
Around 2,500 doses of antibiotics administered so far, health bosses say
09:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAround 2,500 doses of antibiotics have been administered to people in Kent, health chiefs have said.
Trish Mannes, UKHSA regional deputy director for the South East, said: “Around 2,500 doses of antibiotics have now been administered across sites in Kent and we continue to encourage close contacts to come forward for the treatment.
“This includes those offered at the University of Kent and anyone who visited Club Chemistry between March 5-7.
“This is the main intervention that will help protect people and halt the spread of the outbreak.
“As a further precaution and together with the NHS, we are beginning to roll out a targeted menB vaccination programme.
“This will initially be offered to 5,000 university of Kent students resident at the Canterbury campus, with the possibility that it may be extended, as it is kept under continual review.
“If you think you may have symptoms of meningitis, don’t hesitate to seek medical help by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111. Seeking early treatment can save lives.”
Major pharmacies implement waiting lists over high vaccine demand
09:36 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMajor UK pharmacies have implemented queueing systems and waiting lists amid a surge in demand for meningitis B vaccines.
Boots has put in place a queuing system for customers to enter the vaccination service page of its website, with a warning that demand for its menB jab is currently high.
Superdrug has also created a waiting list for the vaccine, with a note on its website informing customers of a “national shortage”. It said it is “working with suppliers to access further stock”.
GPs across the country advised to prescribe antibiotics to Club Chemistry-goers
08:05 , Nicole Wootton-CaneGPs across the country will be advised to prescribe antibiotics to anyone who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between March 5-7, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said.
It added antibiotics “remain the most effective treatment to limit the spread” of meningitis.
“GPs across the country will today be advised to prescribe antibiotics to anyone who visited Club Chemistry between 5-7 March and to University of Kent students, if they have been asked to seek preventative treatment,” it said.
“This is so that anyone who has travelled home, or away from Kent, can easily access this important preventative treatment close to them.
“Given the severity of the outbreak, and as an additional precautionary measure, a targeted vaccination programme will begin, starting with students that are residents of the Canterbury campus halls of residence at the University of Kent who will be contacted directly.
“Initially, it’s expected that up to 5,000 students will be contacted and offered the vaccine. UKHSA will continue to assess ongoing risk to other populations and the programme may be extended.”
What are the different strains?
06:00 , Jane DaltonThere are five main strains that cause the disease in the UK.
Men B is the most common and also the most deadly. Health officials have said that at least some cases of meningitis seen in Kent have been confirmed as Meningitis B.
Other strains include MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY, which are also caused by bacteria.
There are many different causes of meningitis, including viruses, bacteria and fungi. However, in the UK, viruses and bacteria are the most common causes.
Other causes of meningitis include some medicines or brain tumours. It can also occur following a skull fracture or head and neck surgery, according to Meningitis Now.
Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis.
The symptoms of meningitis
01:00 , Jane DaltonMeningitis is an infection of the meninges, the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
Early warning signs of meningitis include a high temperature, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain and stomach cramps.
As the condition develops, it can make people drowsy, irritable and confused, as well as cause severe muscle pain, pale, blotchy skin, spots or a rash, stiff neck, an aversion to bright lights and convulsions or seizures.
Meningitis Now urges people not to wait until someone develops a rash and to seek medical help if someone is ill and displaying these symptoms.
Experts sequence genome strain
Tuesday 17 March 2026 23:00 , Jane DaltonThe genome of the menB strain identified in the outbreak is undergoing whole genome sequencing to see if there are any differences from known strains.
It will also be tested against available menB vaccines, though experts stressed people should get a jab if eligible.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said most students would not already be vaccinated against menB, but that the jabs would begin in the next few days.
He said the menB vaccine had been available on the NHS since 2015 as part of routine childhood immunisations, "but clearly most students would not be vaccinated".
🆕 It's been confirmed that some of the meningitis cases linked to Club Chemistry in Canterbury, Kent are MenB. pic.twitter.com/BWJK8uXqab
— UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) March 17, 2026
Fastest-growing outbreak I've ever seen, says medical chief
Tuesday 17 March 2026 20:32 , Jane DaltonEngland’s deputy chief medical officer Dr Thomas Waite said: “This is by far the quickest-growing outbreak I’ve ever seen in my career, and I think probably any of us have seen of meningitis for a very long time.
“Whilst it remains an outbreak that is having its consequences in Kent, it is obviously of national significance.”
Super-spreader event causing explosive toll of infections, says health chief
Tuesday 17 March 2026 20:30 , Jane DaltonUKHSA chief executive Susan Hopkins said: “This looks like a super-spreader event, with ongoing spread within the halls of residents in the universities.
“There will have been some parties particularly around this, so there will have been lots of social mixing.
“I can’t yet say where the initial infection came from, how it’s got into this cohort, and why it’s created such an explosive amount of infections.”
She said that in her 35 years of working in medicine, in healthcare and hospitals, it was the highest number of cases she had seen in a single weekend with this type of infection.
“It’s the explosive nature that is unprecedented here.
“The number of cases in such a short space of time.
“NHS were initially managing it as a major incident in the region but they have now increased that overlay to having a national-level oversight as well.”
'Super-spreader' event blamed for infections
Tuesday 17 March 2026 19:55 , Jane DaltonExperts say they are dealing with a "super-spreader" event and that many of those affected attended Club Chemistry in Canterbury over 5-7 March.
The infection has also spread through the halls of residence at the university and parties attended by students.
The UKHSA said all 15 cases had required hospital admission, four of them confirmed to have menB.
