Meningitis information
Vaccine information
Effective vaccines are available to prevent some types of bacterial meningitis, but not all, so it is important to know the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia so you can take action.
There is still no vaccine to prevent meningococcal group B disease, which is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK and Ireland. Development of an effective vaccine is now a major priority and experts believe this should be achievable in three to five years.
The following vaccines are offered as part of the childhood immunisation programme in the UK and Ireland:
MenC
The MenC vaccine has dramatically reduced the number of cases of meningococcal group C disease by around 95% in all age groups.
Hib
Hib used to be the leading cause of meningitis in children under 5, with around 800 cases and 25 deaths reported each year. Since the introduction of the Hib vaccine in 1992, cases of Hib meningitis are now rare, with around 50 cases reported each year.
PCV
From 1 April 2010, a new PCV offers protection against 13 different strains of pneumococcal bacteria which cause invasive disease (including meningitis) in the under 5s in the UK. The impact of this new vaccine is being closely monitored.
PPV
A pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) is available and recommended for adults and children who have had, or who are at increased risk of pneumococcal disease (for example, those with asthma, chronic heart disease, diabetes mellitus and those with cochlear implants). This vaccine is also routinely offered to adults over 65. The vaccine protects against 23 strains of pneumococcal bacteria, but has a limited period of protection and is not effective in babies under 2 years old.
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.
Meningitis and travel
A travel vaccine is available to prevent some groups of meningococcal disease. Your doctor’s surgery or health centre will have specific, up to date information on all vaccines needed before travelling.
For more information on vaccines, download our fact sheet ‘Meningitis Vaccines: the facts’ or call our helpline on 0800 028 18 28.
| Click on the PDF to download. |  UK Vaccines information |
To view the full immunisation schedule for the UK click here
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