Early Years and Childcare Special Newsletter
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Thursday 19 March 2026
As you may have seen in the press, there is an outbreak of meningococcal disease group B (MenB) in Kent. Sadly, this includes 2 young people who are known to have died. Understandably, families may be feeling worried in West Sussex.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is leading the response, and West Sussex County Council’s Public Health team is staying in close contact with them and local partners. The control measures put in place in Kent are aiming to prevent further cases. There are currently no cases of this infection linked to the Kent situation in West Sussex.
It is important to remember that meningitis spreads through close contact. Children should continue to attend childcare and early years education settings and do their normal activities unless directly advised otherwise by the local health protection team.
From 2015, the MenB vaccine has been available on the NHS as part of routine childhood immunisations and is given to babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at one year. It is best to have the MenB vaccines on time so children are protected when they are most at risk of getting MenB illnesses. But if children have missed any of their MenB vaccines parents should contact their GP surgery as the MenB vaccine can still be given up to the age of 2 years.
There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the infection which can found online:
Symptoms to look out for and updates on the national and local situation can also be found online:
If you feel appropriate for your families, please do pass this information on.
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