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

Chickenpox vaccines for young children

From January 1, the chickenpox vaccine will be offered as part of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. The vaccine will now be MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella). This is safe and we highly recommend it. It has been used for decades in other countries such as the US, Canada, Australia and Germany.

Chickenpox, also known as varicella, spreads easily in young children. While usually a mild infection, it can lead to serious complications and can be fatal.

Children born on or after January 1 2025 will be offered two doses of the MMRV vaccine at 12 and 18 months. Children born between July 1 2024 and December 31 2024 will be offered two doses (one at 18 months, and a second at 3 years and 4 months).

Children born between September 2022 and June 2024 will be offered a dose at 3 years and 4 months old, and will be part of a single dose catch-up scheme for older children.