[Archived] Who is eligible for the MenB vaccine during the Kent outbreak and do I need it myself?
This blog post has now been archived. If you would like to see the content it is available on the website of The National Archives.
Blog Editor
Kent meningitis outbreak: March 2026
This blog post was first published during an outbreak of meningococcal disease (MenB) in Kent. It explained what to do, where you could get antibiotics if you were affected and who was being offered a vaccine.
Could 'fridge-free' vaccines transform global immunisation?
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that half of all vaccines produced worldwide never reach the people who need them. The reason? They lose their effectiveness before they can be used. Most vaccines must be kept cold from the moment …
Staying ahead of emerging threats: insights from Oropouche
Preparing for future health threats starts long before a virus makes the headlines. That’s why UKHSA works with partners around the world to study emerging pathogens and identify key gaps in knowledge and research. Our work on Oropouche, just one …
What are the symptoms of measles and how can I best protect my child?
Measles is highly contagious, so even a small decline in vaccine uptake can lead to a rise in cases. There has been a resurgence of measles in England, and around the world, in recent years.
How does cold weather affect health? Our new report explores the hidden impact
When we talk about winter deaths, we may think of hypothermia or people dying directly from low temperatures. The reality is more complex - and often invisible.
Stomach bugs: A brief guide to their causes and treatment
Gastrointestinal illness - the kind of illness that makes us feel sick, vomit or have diarrhoea - affects people of all ages and is one of the most common health complaints in the United Kingdom. It is also one of the most common health issues that people experience when travelling abroad.
What is Burkholderia stabilis, and why should I check my first aid kit?
Burkholderia are a type of bacteria found naturally in the environment, including in soil and water. Burkholderia stabilis is one species within this group. While many people never encounter problems with this type of bacteria, it can cause serious infections in certain …
Nipah virus: what is it, where is it found and how does it spread?
Nipah virus (NiV) is a serious infectious disease that periodically causes outbreaks in parts of Asia. While the risk to most people remains very low, understanding this virus is important if you are planning to travel to one of the areas where it circulates. No cases have ever been found in the UK.
What is measles and why is it so important we're up to date with our vaccines to protect against it?
Measles is highly contagious so even a small decline in vaccine uptake can lead to a rise in cases. There has been a resurgence of measles in England and around the world in recent years. In 2024 there were 2,911 laboratory confirmed measles cases in England, the highest number of cases recorded annually in decades.