Gibraltar Meningitis (Latest updates)

 

Since 13th March an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Canterbury, Kent, UK has identified around 20 cases involving the bacterial meningococcal B strain.  Currently, there have been no new cases identified in Kent for over a week. 

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 Meningitis B vaccination is not required for the wider public at this time. If you are eligible for Men ACWY vaccine (see below) but have not yet received it please make arrangements to do so. 

 

Do I need a meningitis vaccine? 

Yes – If you are: 

• currently studying in Kent or Canterbury 

• you are a contact of a confirmed or probable case in the Kent outbreak 

• attended the affected nightclub (Club Chemistry) between the 23rd February and the 15th March 2026 

NO – If you are: 

• a member of the general public (including attending other UK universities) with no specific exposure risk. 

If you are unsure, call +350 2000 3351 between 8 and 4pm.[change details?] 

[D/N this helpline may close at 12pm on Thursday 2nd April – we need to insert contact details for after that] 

  

Information for students in Kent and Canterbury 

We have offered the MenB vaccine to Gibraltar students at Canterbury Christ Church University and the University of Kent. 

If you are one of these students, and have not yet been contacted by GHA or Kent NHS 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. 

 

Meningococcal Vaccination 

There are two different vaccines used to protect against meningococcal disease. They protect against different groups of the bacteria. 

MenACWY vaccine 

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. 

MenB vaccine 

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. 

When should you seek medical advice? 

Call 111 if any of the following symptoms develop: 

• rash 

• fever 

• severe headache 

• vomiting 

• light sensitivity 

• neck stiffness 

What you do NOT need to do 

• 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 

Vaccine enquiries 

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 

This page is actively monitored and updated as new information becomes available.