March 2026
We know that many parents and carers of children and young people with cancer will be concerned about the rise in meningococcal disease (MenB) cases recently, particularly in the Kent region.
We have worked with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to provide the guidance below.
What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is a serious but uncommon illness caused by meningococcal bacteria. It can lead to meningitis - inflammation of the lining of the brain - and sepsis (blood poisoning). The onset can be sudden, which is why knowing the signs and symptoms, and acting quickly, is so important. There are many strains of meningococcal bacteria but MenB, MenC, MenW, MenX, MenY are responsible for nearly all meningococcal infections in the UK.
What cases have been identified in the current outbreak?
The current outbreak in Kent has been linked to be MenB strain. Sadly, 2 young people have died.
How is the disease spread?
Transmission of MenB requires close and prolonged contact to spread including living in the same household and intimate contact such as kissing or sharing drinks or vapes. The bacteria are not as contagious as other infections such as measles and COVID-19.
Who is being offered antibiotics?
Precautionary antibiotics (also called prophylaxis) are being offered to anyone who went to Club Chemistry in Canterbury, Kent on 5, 6 or 7 March, to University of Kent students and to people who are close contacts of those who are confirmed or suspected to have meningitis.
Who is being offered the MenB vaccine?
The MenB vaccine has been routinely used in the infant vaccination programme in the UK since 2015. Children born since September 2015 will have some protection against MenB disease but older children will not have been vaccinated as part of the national immunisation programme. In direct response to the MenB outbreak in Kent, a targeted MenB vaccination programme is being introduced. Vaccination will begin with students living in Canterbury Campus Halls at the University of Kent. The vaccination programme may be expanded as UKHSA continues to assess risk to other groups.
Can my child or young person receive the MenB vaccine to protect them?
Remember that your child or young person is not at any increased risk if they are not involved with the current Kent outbreak, especially if they have not visited Kent in March 2026 and have not been in prolonged, close and/or intimate contact with young adults from Kent.
The current evidence indicates that, unlike many other infections, immunosuppressed persons of any age are not at increased risk of meningococcal disease compared to other persons of the same age.
Unless your child or young person lives in the targeted vaccination area, the MenB vaccine is not currently recommended for any other children and young people, including those with cancer while on active treatment.
For children and young people who have received standard chemotherapy, the MenB vaccine is recommended to be given 3 months after completion of treatment. Please speak to your treating team about timing of vaccination.
For children and young people who have received a stem cell transplant, the vaccine schedule is dependent on different factors so please speak to your transplant team about timing of vaccination.
What can I do to protect myself and my child/young person from meningitis if I am not in the locality affected by the outbreak?
The most important thing you can do is know the symptoms and act quickly if they appear.
Symptoms to look out for include:
- a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
- sudden onset of high fever
- severe and worsening headache
- stiff neck
- vomiting and diarrhoea
- joint and muscle pain
- dislike of bright lights
- very cold hands and feet
- seizures
- confusion or delirium
- extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking
If you or someone you know develops these symptoms, seek medical help urgently by going to your nearest A&E or calling 999. If a friend goes to bed unwell, check on them regularly. Early treatment can be lifesaving.
What should I tell my child or young person’s education setting or social groups?
Make sure education settings (nursery, school, colleges) and social groups are aware of your child’s compromised immune status and that they actively promote immunisation of healthy children. They should also be aware of the need to quickly alert you if a potential contact with a case occurs.
What should I do if my child has contact with a person who might have meningitis?
You should make immediate contact with your specialist team. They will then contact the local Health Protection Team to assess the situation and decide on next steps.
Written by Dr Jessica Bate, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist, Southampton Children’s Hospital on behalf of CCLG and Professor Shamez Ladhani, Paediatric Infectious Diseases Consultant, St George’s Hospital, London