Outbreak of meningitis in Kent
Since early March 2026, there is an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent linked to the MenB strain.
Find more information including advice for students and parents, symptoms and what to do if you think you have meningitis.
Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine
The MenB vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria.
MenB can cause serious illnesses, including:
- meningitis (an infection in the brain and spinal cord)
- septicaemia (blood poisoning)
- sepsis (a life-threatening reaction to an infection)
When children should have the MenB vaccine
Children are offered 3 doses of the MenB vaccine as part of Jersey’s
baby, pre-school and childhood vaccinations schedule.
Children are offered the vaccine with other routine vaccines at:
- 8 weeks old
- 12 weeks old
- 1 year old
It's best to have the MenB vaccines on time so children are protected when they're most at risk of getting MenB illnesses.
If your child has missed any of their MenB vaccines, contact the Immunisation Team. They can still have the MenB vaccine up to the age of 2.
MenB vaccine for children on NHS
Meningitis on NHS
Symptoms of sepsis on NHS
Vaccine protection against MenACWY
MenB vaccine doesn't protect against MenACWY as this is caused by the other Meningococcal strains ACWY. Find more information on
Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine.
Pupils in school year 9 have been offered the MenACWY vaccine since 2015. This means that most teenagers in Jersey have been vaccinated before leaving school.
Further information may be found on
MenACWY vaccine on NHS.
Details about other school age vaccines available in Jersey
School age vaccinations.
gov.je