Update on meningitis cases in Kent

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is currently investigating an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease in the Canterbury area of Kent. A number of patients have contacted the practice regarding this, and we would like to provide reassurance and share the latest public health advice.

At present, this outbreak is localised to Kent, and there is no evidence of wider community spread in London. The UKHSA is actively managing the situation and contacting those considered to be at higher risk directly.

All updates to the situation are being published here.

Skip to main content
Translate this website

AZ Vaccine Manufactured in India

There has been some concern as a result of news stories about UK residents being turned away from Malta for having the ‘incorrect’ vaccine. This has been investigated by the DHSC who have provided the following advice and information:

  • All AstraZeneca vaccines given in the UK are the same product and appear on the NHS COVID Pass as Vaxzevria.
  • The European Medicines Agency, as well as our own medicines regulator, has authorised this vaccine and travel should not be affected.
  • No Covishield vaccines have been administered in the UK.
  • All doses used in the UK have been subject to rigorous safety and quality checks, including individual batch testing and physical site inspections, by the UK medicine’s regulator, the MHRA.
  • Ensuring safe and open travel with our global partners is a clear priority and we are engaging with international partners on certification to ensure travel for vaccinated people is unhindered in the future.
  • We have spoken to the EU Commission who have confirmed that neither the Commission nor the EMA has advised Member States against accepting travellers vaccinated with ‘SII doses’.
  • Our High Commission in Malta has been discussing this issue with the Maltese Government, who have agreed that they will accept the NHS certificate with the EMA approved AZ Vaxzevria dose.
  • Astra Zeneca vaccine will be recognised in the same way as any other.