Vaccine information

• 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.

Meningococcal bacteria are a leading cause of meningitis and septicaemia across the globe.  Six groups of meningococcal bacteria cause the most disease globally.  These are groups:

• A (MenA)
• B (MenB)
• C (MenC)
• W (MenW)
• X (MenX)
• Y (MenY)

For decades meningococcal C (MenC) and meningococcal B (MenB) have been the most common causes of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia in the UK and Ireland.  

A complete list of all the vaccines that are routinely offered in the UK free of charge on the NHS and the ages at which they should ideally be given is available here.

Ireland has a slightly different vaccination schedule which is available here.