Public Health Update: Meningococcal Disease in Kent 
The UK Health Security Agency is continuing to investigate an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent.
Vaccination Information
MenB (Meningitis B):
Children and young people born after 2015 should have received the MenB vaccine at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 1 year as part of the routine NHS schedule.
Those born before 2015 were not offered this vaccine on the NHS and are currently not eligible for it through NHS services.
The MenB vaccine is available privately through pharmacies and private healthcare providers. However stock is limited.
MenB Catch-up eligibility:
Children under 2 who missed their NHS MenB vaccines can still receive them via their GP practice.
Children over 2 who missed their doses are not eligible on the NHS and would need to access vaccination privately.
MenACWY (Meningitis A, C, W, Y):
Offered routinely on the NHS to teenagers in school Year 9 or 10 (around age 13–15).
Also available for first-time university students under 25, especially those living in halls of residence, if they missed it at school.
Some individuals at increased risk (e.g. due to medical conditions or travel to certain countries) may also be eligible via the NHS.
Those not eligible on the NHS can access the vaccine privately.
There are ongoing discussions at a national level about a possible catch-up programme for vulnerable groups, but no further updates are available yet.
More information:
https://www.gov.uk/.../cases-of-invasive-meningococcal...
Please stay informed and seek medical advice if you have concerns.
The following website may also be of use
What is meningitis? Symptoms, risks and how to protect yourself – UK Health Security Agency
_____________________________________________________
✨ Exciting News from the Practice! ✨
We’re thrilled to let our patients know that building works have officially begun at Ampleforth Surgery. Over the coming weeks, you may notice some changes around the site as we work on improving our facilities.
We’re adding:
🏥 A brand new single-storey extension
👩⚕️ Two additional consulting rooms to help us increase appointment availability
💊 A 24/7 medication dispensing machine so you can collect your prescriptions at any time, day or night.
‼️Please note that car parking will be limited during the building works, so if you’re able to do so, we kindly ask that you park away from the surgery and walk in, leaving the closer spaces available for patients with mobility difficulties.‼️
Thank you for your patience and support while the work is carried out.
