What is meningitis and how can you stay protected?
Meningitis is a serious infection that causes swelling around the brain and spinal cord. It can be life-threatening, but many cases can be prevented through vaccination.
What are the symptoms to look out for?
Symptoms can develop quickly and may include:
- High temperature (fever)
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- A rash that does not fade when pressed (in some cases)
If you notice these symptoms, seek medical help urgently.
Who is most at risk?
Meningitis can affect anyone, but babies, young children, teenagers and older adults are at higher risk.
How can you protect yourself and your family?
The best protection against meningitis is vaccination. In the UK, several routine vaccines help protect against different types of meningitis:
- MenB vaccine – given to babies at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 1 year
- 6-in-1 vaccine – given to babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks
- Pneumococcal vaccine – given to babies at 16 weeks and 1 year, and to adults aged 65 and over
- Hib/MenC vaccine – given to babies at 1 year (for those born on or before 30 June 2024)
- MMR vaccine – given to babies at 1 year, with a second dose at 18 months
- MenACWY vaccine – offered to teenagers aged 13 to 14
Making sure you and your children are up to date with these vaccinations is the most effective way to reduce the risk of meningitis.
