Help us keep everyone well this flu season!

To help keep everyone well this flu season, we’re now asking all patients and staff to wear a face mask when visiting the surgery. If you’re feeling unwell with any cough, cold, or respiratory symptoms, please make sure to pop one on before coming inside. If you’re eligible for a flu vaccine and haven’t had it yet, now is a great time to book your appointment. Protecting yourself also helps protect those around you. Thank you for helping us keep our community safe and healthy!

Outbreak of Meningitis B (MenB) in Kent and Vaccination

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Following the outbreak of Meningitis B (MenB) in Kent, we are understandably receiving numerous calls regarding vaccinations and risks. The NHS offers the MenB vaccine at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year of age. Babies can be offered missed vaccinations up to 2 years of age. The NHS does not routinely provide MenB vaccinations to those over the age of 2, except for children and adults with asplenia, splenic dysfunction or complement disorders. Children in Year 9 at school are routinely offered the Men ACWY vaccination by the NHS, which provides protection against Meningitis A, Meningitis C, Meningitis W and Meningitis Y. Some patients may choose to source a MenB vaccination privately, but we are unable to recommend any private providers.

The following warning signs, highlighted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), require immediate action: 🔴 A rash that does not fade under pressure 🤒 Sudden high fever 🤕 Severe headache 🥴 Stiff neck 🤮 Vomiting or diarrhoea 🥶 Cold hands/feet 💡 Sensitivity to light 🫩 Confusion, extreme sleepiness, or seizures If you, or someone you are with, has symptoms of serious illness, seek urgent medical attention immediately, as meningococcal disease can progress very quickly. Patients can call the National Helpline run by the UKHSA on 0344 225 3861, Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, if they have no symptoms but are concerned that they have been in contact with a confirmed case or have a general enquiry. We continue to follow UKHSA guidance and will update patients if guidance changes.

For further information, please visit: 🔗 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease-confirmed-in-kent 🔗 https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/menb-vaccine-for-children/ 🔗 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/