Prevention

Meningitis can be caused by a number of differentinfections, so several vaccinations offer some protection against it.

Children should receive most of these as part of the NHS vaccination schedule. Speak to your GP if you're not surewhether your or your child'svaccinations are up-to-date.

Meningitis B vaccine

The meningitis B vaccine isa new vaccine that offers protection against meningococcal group B bacteria, which are a common cause of meningitis in young children in the UK.

The vaccine isrecommended for babies agedeight weeks, followed by a second dose at 16 weeks, and a booster at one year.

Meningitis can sometimes occur as a complication of these infections.

The vaccine is usually given to babiesat one year of age. They'll then have a second dose when they're three years and four months old.

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Meningitis ACWY vaccine

The meningitis ACWY vaccines offers protection against four types of bacteria that can cause meningitis meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.

Young teenagers, sixth formers and "fresher" students going to university for the first time are advised to have the vaccination.

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Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 29 Nov 2016