Contacts
Close contacts of confirmed or probable cases (as defined in UKHSA meningococcal disease guidance) are being identified and contacted by UKHSA.
UKHSA will contact GPs if a patient registered with them requires antibiotic prophylaxis.
A small cohort of students at Henley College students have also been recommended to have antibiotic prophylaxis and Men B vaccination which is being arranged in the college. Eligible students have received a letter to inform them about the recommendation. GP practices and emergency departments may be approached by some of these students with an invitation letter; these students can be offered antibiotic prophylaxis by the practice.
Vaccination:
There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection. The MenACWY vaccination gives good protection against MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY and is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10 via the School Aged Immunisation (SAI) team. However, this vaccine does not protect against all forms of meningitis. Other strains such as MenB can circulate in young adults, which is why it’s important to know how to spot the symptoms of Meningitis and septicaemia as early detection and treatment can save lives.
If parents contact GP practices regarding access to the MenB vaccine for their child not within current national vaccination programme eligibility criteria, the vaccine can be provided via private providers, as changes have not been made to the current schedule.
Parents may wish to check their child’s vaccination status. This can be done through checking their child’s red book or viewing details on the NHS App.