Between the 13 and 15 March 2026, a serious meningitis outbreak (Understanding the Current Meningitis Outbreak in Kent – Williamsons Solicitors) unfolded in Kent where there were 21 reported cases. Tragically, a student from the University of Kent and a Year 13 school pupil died and several others had remained seriously ill in hospital.  

This continued in Weymouth in April 2026, when there was a further cluster of 3 cases of meningitis B in young people. There was a further 3 cases in Reading in which one was fatal; again, this was 3 students.  

The UK’s leading meningitis charity, Meningitis Now, is welcoming a recent announcement by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) of a one-off new vaccination programme aimed at those at the highest immediate risk of meningitis, these being 18 year olds and young adults. Whilst each nation has slightly different plans, the one-off MenB vaccination programme will broadly be available to: 

• Most pupils completing Year 13 (England and Wales), Year 14 (Northern Ireland) or S6 (Scotland) in the summer of 2026 – irrespective of their education plans. (Most children from this age group who are not currently in school will also be eligible.) 

• Young people aged 18-25, who are starting university or moving into residential further education settings for the first time in autumn 2026 

The vaccinations will be available to the above starting from 20 July 2026 with the second dosage 28 days after. On the NHS website, (NHS vaccinations and when to have them – NHS, there is a new sectioned titled “Young People Starting University or College” that explains the likely vaccines you would have had as a young person together with the MenB vaccine eligibility. Those eligible in year 13 will be contacted directly through the NHS App, text, email or letter depending on records held by the health service and/or be able to contact their local pharmacies.  

Dr Tom Nutt, of Meningitis Now (Meningitis Now | Meningitis charity | Research and awareness), said on 12 June 2026: “Today’s announcement will be welcomed by all those who have fought for better protection for precious young lives. It represents real progress and has significant potential to prevent cases of meningitis. There is still more work to do to ensure everyone at risk is protected, including those already at university and younger teenagers. We will also continue to campaign for the MenB vaccination to become part of the UK’s routine immunisation programme.” 

James Murray, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said:   

“The Kent outbreak and recent clusters indicate a possible change to the way MenB affects people. While we assess the latest evidence, we are acting now to help protect young people at highest immediate risk as they enter university and residential colleges this autumn. 

By offering 2 doses of the jabs ahead of the academic year, we will help reduce the risk of serious illness and larger outbreaks of this horrendous disease. 

I urge all those students who are eligible to come forward for their 2 doses in July and August, to give them peace of mind as they head off to continue their studies.” 

Symptoms Requiring Urgent Action

With bacterial meningitis, treatment includes antibiotics and often requires hospital admission for at least a week. If treated quickly, you have the best possible chance of a full recovery but if not treated quickly, it can lead to sepsis, brain or nerve damage, hearing loss or even death. 

The symptoms to look out for include: