- There are safe and effective vaccines available that that protect against the most common causes of life-threatening bacterial meningitis and septicaemia (meningococcal, pneumococcal and Hib)
- These vaccines have reduced the number of cases throughout the world
- MMR vaccine protects against viral forms of meningitis
- Not all causes of meningitis and septicaemia are vaccine preventable so being able to recognise the symptoms is vital
Vaccines that protect against some common causes of life-threatening bacterial meningitis and septicaemia are routinely available in many parts of the world.
Meningitis vaccines are routinely given to babies from the age of 2 months onwards. Young children have less developed immune systems than older age groups which means that they are at increased risk.
Vaccination is a safe way to develop protection against some common causes of disease.