- No confirmed or suspected cases in Gibraltar
- Overall risk to the public remains LOW
- Vaccination is only advised for specific student groups
The situation is under constant review, and we are working closely with our UK colleagues to obtain the latest information.
At the time of writing, there are no confirmed or suspected cases of meningitis in Gibraltar. Our public health risk assessment remains low, and vaccination is not required for the wider public at this time.
- a student studying at university and need to ensure your MenACWY vaccination is up to date
- studying in Kent or Canterbury and need to contact GHA about MenB vaccination
- a member of the general public with no specific exposure risk
We will be offering the MenB vaccine to students at Canterbury Christ Church University and the University of Kent.
If you are one of these students, or you know someone who is, please call 2000 3351 between 8am and 4pm to arrange vaccination.
This advice remains under review and may change if the situation changes.
Who should take action?
Public health advice currently differs depending on whether a person has a direct link to the affected area in the UK. The table below explains what each group should do at this stage.
| Group | Current risk | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| Students studying in Kent or Canterbury | Higher risk than the general public because of possible closer contact linked to the affected area | Contact GHA as soon as possible. We may advise antibiotics, MenB vaccination, and monitoring for symptoms depending on your circumstances. |
| People who visited friends at university in Kent and attended the affected nightclub | Some increased risk depending on where and when you were exposed | Contact GHA urgently for advice. We may advise antibiotics and monitoring for symptoms. MenB vaccination is not routinely being offered to this group at this time. |
| Gibraltarian students at universities elsewhere in the UK | No evidence of increased risk above the general student population at this time | Check that your MenACWY vaccination is up to date and be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis. |
| General public in Gibraltar | Low risk | No additional action is required at this time unless advised otherwise. You may contact GHA if you want to check your vaccine status or eligibility. |
Meningococcal Vaccination
There are two different vaccines used to protect against meningococcal disease. They protect against different groups of the bacteria.
This vaccine protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y. It is routinely offered to teenagers and university students, particularly before starting university, as the risk of meningococcal infection can increase where people live closely together, such as in student accommodation.
This vaccine protects against meningococcal group B. It was introduced into the Gibraltar childhood immunisation programme in 2015 and is routinely given to infants at 2, 3 and 13 months of age.
This vaccination provides long-term protection for those who received it.
However, many current university students were not eligible when the programme was introduced and may remain unprotected.
Anyone concerned about their vaccination status should speak to their GP or healthcare provider.
How meningitis can spread
Meningococcal disease can spread through saliva during close or prolonged contact, such as coughing, sneezing, kissing, or living in the same household or accommodation.
Call 111 if any of the following symptoms develop:
- rash
- fever
- severe headache
- vomiting
- light sensitivity
- neck stiffness
- You do not need vaccination if you are not in a risk group
- You do not need to avoid public places or gatherings
- There are no travel restrictions related to this situation
If you are concerned about your meningitis vaccination status, please contact the dedicated Meningitis Vaccine Hotline on 2000 3351 between 8am and 4pm.
Alternatively, email:
child.welfare@gha.gi
