Meningitis outbreak: Medway antibiotic clinic

If you have symptoms of meningitis, or know someone who has, get help immediately by going to the nearest Accident and Emergency department or call 999.

Precautionary antibiotics

We are offering free precautionary antibiotic tablets to people who do not have symptoms of meningitis.

• This is one tablet, which you need to swallow.
• You must take the tablet at the clinic in front of the staff who issued it to you.
• You cannot take the tablet away to take later.
• You cannot collect a tablet on behalf of someone else.
• No booking is needed and you do not need to bring ID but bring your NHS number if you have it.
• Bring a bottle of water if you can.

Who is eligible for precautionary antibiotics?

• all students and staff living on campus at the University of Kent
• close household contacts of cases who have been identified by UKHSA, or who self-identify as having contact with a confirmed case
• Club Chemistry staff
• People who visited Club Chemistry on March 5, 6 and 7

These antibiotics are provided at a number of clinics in Kent already (find out more here: Meningitis outbreak in the Canterbury area | News | ICB).

From Thursday 19th March, an additional antibiotic clinic will be available in Medway:

James Williams Healthy Living Centre

The Pentagon Centre

Military Road Chatham

Kent ME4 4GHP

Opening hours:

Thursday 19th, Friday 20th, Saturday 21st March: 8.30am – 5.30pm

Sunday 22nd March: 10.30am – 2.30pm

More information: What are the symptoms to look out for?

Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can include:

• a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
• sudden onset of high fever
• severe and worsening headache
• stiff neck
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• joint and muscle pain
• dislike of bright lights
• very cold hands and feet
• seizures
• confusion or delirium
• extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking.

If you or someone you know develops symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia, seek medical help urgently by going to the nearest Accident and Emergency department or calling 999. 

Emergency departments do not provide antibiotics for people who do not have symptoms – you will need to visit an antibiotic clinic (listed here: Meningitis outbreak in the Canterbury area | News | ICB).

There is a UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) helpline available from 9am to 5pm. Phone: 0344 225 3861.