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We are currently receiving enquiries regarding recent media reports of meningitis B (MenB) cases.

Current situation

  • The reported cases are part of a localised outbreak in Kent, mainly affecting a specific group (students with close contact exposure)
  • There is currently no evidence of increased risk in Swansea or across Wales
  • Public Health teams are managing this with targeted antibiotics and vaccination for close contacts only

Preventative antibiotics – specific group only

Public Health Wales has advised that students who:

  • stayed in University of Kent accommodation, or
  • attended Club Chemistry nightclub between 5–7 March

and have since returned to Wales should contact their GP as they may require preventative antibiotics.

This applies only to this specific group.

If patients do not meet these criteria, preventative antibiotics are not required.

MenB (Meningitis B) vaccine

  • The MenB vaccine is part of the routine NHS childhood vaccination programme
  • It is offered to babies only (up to 2 years of age)
  • It is not routinely available on the NHS for older children or adults

Our practice is unable to provide the MenB vaccine for older children or adults, including on a private basis.

Some private clinics may offer this vaccine; however:

  • It is not currently recommended for the general public
  • It may not provide immediate protection
  • It is only used in specific situations as advised by Public Health

MenACWY vaccine (teenagers & young adults)

We can offer the MenACWY vaccine to:

  • Patients aged up to 25 years who did not receive it at school

➡️ This vaccine protects against meningitis strains A, C, W and Y

⚠️ It does NOT protect against MenB

⚠️ Symptoms of meningitis – seek urgent help

Meningitis can become serious quickly. Please seek urgent medical help if you or your child develops:

  • Fever, headache, vomiting
  • Neck stiffness or sensitivity to light
  • Rash that does not fade when pressed
  • Drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty waking
  • Cold hands and feet, limb pain

Call 111 or 999 if urgent

✅ What should patients do?

  • Be reassured that the current situation is localised and not affecting our area
  • Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date
  • Teenagers and young adults should check they have received the MenACWY vaccine
  • Be aware of symptoms and seek urgent help if concerned

ℹ️ Further information

For more information about meningitis symptoms and vaccination:

NHS Wales meningitis information

Important

We are following national and Public Health Wales guidance. At present, we are not offering MenB vaccination outside this guidance.

This page will be updated if advice changes.