There are vaccines that protect against some forms of meningitis and septicaemia, but although these vaccines provide excellent protection, they can't prevent all strains of these diseases. As yet there is no vaccine that can prevent all forms of meningitis and septicaemia.
Following is an overview of the current vaccines available in the UK to help prevent certain strains of meningitis:
Travel Vaccinations for Meningitis
Current Immunisation Schedule in the UK
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Meningococcal Vaccines
Most cases of meningococcal disease in the UK and Ireland are caused by group B meningococcal bacteria, and there is no available vaccine to protect against this, so knowing the signs and symptoms is vital.
Click on the name of the vaccination below for more information, or use the menu on the right:
MenCThis vaccine protects against Group C meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia and is routinely offered to babies in the UK and Ireland.
It was introduced into the childhood immunisation programme in 1999/2000 with a catch-up programme that eventually extended to all under 25s in the UK, and under 23s in Ireland. It has reduced cases of Group C disease by over 90%.
In the UK, it is now offered to babies as part of the routine immunisation schedule at 3 and 4 months with a booster at 12 months.
In the Republic of Ireland, it is routinely offered to babies at 2, 4, and 6 months of age.
To find out more about this vaccine please click here, or use the menu on the right.
HibThis vaccine has greatly reduced cases of Hib disease, including meningitis, since its introduction into the childhood vaccination schedule in 1992.
At present, as part of the routine immunisation schedule in the UK, Hib vaccine is offered to babies at 2, 3 and 4 months with a booster dose at 12 months. Children now get a further dose with their preschool booster injections at about 3 to 4 years of age.
In the Republic of Ireland is it offered at 2, 4 and 6 months, with a Hib booster at 12 months.
To find out more about this vaccine please click here, or use the menu on the right.
Pneumococcal Vaccines
There are two main vaccines that protect against the types of pneumococcal bacteria that cause most cases of pneumococcal disease including meningitis, septicaemia and pneumonia.
Click on the name of the vaccination below for more information, or use the menu on the right:
This is a new long-lasting vaccine that can protect children as young as two months of age against the 7 types of bacteria responsible for 82% of pneumococcal disease in children under age 5.
Polysaccharide
Vaccine
This older vaccine provides a level of protection against the 23 types
of bacteria that most frequently cause pneumococcal disease.
For more information on Pneumococcal vaccines in the UK please click here, or use the menu on the right.
Vaccines And Viral Meningitis
Some viruses that cause diseases such as measles and mumps can also cause meningitis. The routine MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella (German Measles). Before its introduction, mumps was the most common cause of viral meningitis in children. To find out more about the MMR vaccines please click here.
Meningitis And Travel
Travel vaccines are available to prevent some groups of meningococcal disease. These offer protection for three to five years, but are not effective in infants and young children. Your doctor’s surgery or health centre will have specific, up to date information on all vaccines needed before travelling.
Current Immunisation Schedule In The UK
2
MONTHS |
3
MONTHS |
4
MONTHS |
12
MONTHS |
13
MONTHS |
|
DTaP/IPV/Hib |
DTaP/IPV/Hib |
Hib/Men C
Booster |
MMR |
|
Men C |
Pneumococcal |
Pneumococcal |
|
Men C |
Please remember that although vaccines that are currently available can provide excellent protection, there are several major forms of meningitis and septicaemia for which there is no vaccine. Knowing the signs and symptoms is vital.
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You'll find more information on vaccines for meningitis by downloading the following PDF fact-sheet 'Meningitis Vaccines: The Facts' 'produced by the Meningitis Trust:
Click
here or on the PDF to download the fact-sheet