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Non-urgent advice: Meningococcal (MenB) Outbreak

We are currently receiving a high volume of enquiries regarding the reported meningococcal (MenB) outbreak in Kent.

Please note that the MenB vaccine is not routinely provided on the NHS for adults outside of specific eligibility groups, and we are therefore unable to offer MenB vaccination at the practice for this situation. 

If you develop symptoms suggestive of meningitis (such as fever, headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, vomiting, or a rash), please seek urgent medical advice by calling NHS 111 or attending A&E.

https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/10/31/what-is-meningitis-symptoms-risks-and-how-to-protect-yourself/

Group

Eligible?

Reason

Infants at 8 & 12 weeks + 1-year booster

✅ Yes

Part of NHS routine schedule

Infants up to age 2 (catch-up)

✅ Yes

Allowed if doses missed

University students in Kent outbreak areas

✅ Yes (temporary)

Targeted outbreak vaccination only

Teenagers / young adults nationally

❌ Not routinely

No national MenB programme for this age group

General adults

❌ Not eligible

Only available privately unless in outbreak group

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We’re making it easier than ever to get the care you need. EMMA, our new AI-powered virtual receptionist, is here to answer your calls instantly—no more waiting on hold or calling back at 8am. EMMA will guide you through a few simple steps, help you submit your request, and make sure your message goes straight to our team. Whether you prefer to call or use our online tools, everyone gets the same fast, fair access to care.

Watch the video as the Gordon House Surgery partners discuss reasons for introducing EMMA

Why EMMA?

  • No more phone queues: Every call is answered straight away.
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  • Consistent, private, and efficient: Your requests—medical, admin, or prescriptions—go directly to our team for a quick response.

What do you need to do?

Non-urgent advice: NHS App information

Log in – NHS App Online (services.nhs.uk)

HELP US HELP YOU POSTER
Be prepared to care for yourself with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest

  • cough or cold
  • upset stomach
  • pain or headache
  • cuts and grazes
  • sore throat (but if for two weeks or more contact your GP)

    • For health advice,

    Visit nhs.uk
    Ask for advice on ailments, medicines and healthier living:

  • queries about medication, dosage, type or suitability plus urgent requests or if related to hospital discharge
  • repeat prescription
  • sore eyes (but if persists go to optician)
  • runny nose
  • diarrhoea
  • bite or sting

    • Find a Pharmacy
    GP Practice
    Consult online or use GP online services to make an appointment if an illness or injury won’t go away

  • repeat prescription such as for back ache, the pill, etc.
  • urgent skin problem such as a rash that is spreading
  • ear pain
  • back ache

    • Additional evenings and weekend appointments bookable through your GP Practice

    Online Consultation
    Ask for advice on Call NHS 111

    Call when situation is not life-threatening

  • If you think you need to go to hospital
  • If you don’t know the most suitable place to go or call
  • If you don’t have a GP to call or if your GP practice is closed
  • If you need advice or reassurance about what to do

    • Available 24 hours a day, every day

    NHS 111 Online
    Urgent Care or Walk-In Centre

    Visit for same day, urgent, minor injuries or illness when your GP practice is unavailable:

  • such as sprains and suspected broken bones

    • When to visit a UTC
    Emergency department or call 999

    Only for very serious or life-threatening situations.

    If you are unsure, call NHS 111

    When to visit A&E
    When to call 999
    You can visit our Self-Referral page for help with:
    – Talking Therapies
    – Antenatal Care
    – Sexual Health Clinic
    – Smoking Cessation

    Self-Referral Information

    SystmOnline

    Log In Register for online services

    SystmOnline allow you to:

    • Manage appointments
    • Request repeat medication
    • Update demographic details
    • Message healthcare service
    Quote / Testimonial:

    “The staff at Gordon House are extremely professional, and you feel well cared for at all times”

    NHS Choices
    Quote / Testimonial:

    “Complex problems dealt with efficiently and with kindness over many years from the busy staff”

    NHS Choices
    banner reading, NHS App that lets you book appointments, order repeat prescriptions and access a range of other healthcare services.
    Self-Referral Information