Meningitis is observed worldwide. It's an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly, causing life-threatening blood poisoning and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves. It is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but are not ill themselves.
Meningitis can be caused by a number of different infections, so several vaccinations offer some protection against it.
The Meningitis B vaccine is a new vaccine that offers protection against meningococcal group B bacteria, which are a common cause of meningitis in young children in the UK.
The Pneumococcal Vaccine offers protection against serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including meningitis.
The Meningitis C Vaccine offers protection against a type of bacteria called meningococcal group C bacteria, which can cause meningitis. The MMR Vaccine offers protection against measles, mumps and rubella.
Meningitis can sometimes occur as a complication of these infections.
The Meningitis ACWY Vaccines offers protection against 4 types of bacteria that can cause meningitis: meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.