Meningitis Immunisations

What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Bacterial meningitis is rare but can be serious, and vaccination plays a key role in protecting against the most important strains.

Current discussions are largely focused on immunisation against Meningitis B (MenB) and MenACWY.

NHS Vaccination Programme

Meningitis B (MenB)

Introduced into the NHS schedule in May 2015
Routinely given to infants
Children born before May 2015 will not have received MenB on the NHS
Some may have received it privately however

Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY)

Offered routinely via schools from Year 9 (around age 13)
Most teenagers will have received this as part of the NHS programme

Symptoms to Look Out For

Meningitis can develop quickly. Seek urgent medical attention if your child has:

Fever and lethargy
Severe headache
Neck stiffness
Sensitivity to light
Vomiting
Confusion or drowsiness
Seizures
Rash (especially non-blanching)
Cold hands/feet, limb pain, pale or mottled skin (early signs in children)

If concerned, seek urgent medical care immediately.

Vaccination Schedules

Meningitis B (MenB – Bexsero)

Current UK Schedule (NHS)

8 weeks – first dose
12 weeks – second dose
1 year – booster dose

Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY)

Single dose

Boosters?

There is no clear national guidance recommending routine boosters for MenB or ACWY
For most patients, the primary course is sufficient
However, individual factors may influence decisions, so personalised advice is important - see below

If Your Child Missed Vaccination

Some children may not have received:

MenB (particularly those born before May 2015)
MenACWY (if they missed the school programme)

In these cases, catch-up vaccination can be considered.

Catch Up Vaccinations

MenB

Adolescents (11+) & Adults

2 doses (at least 1 month apart)

MenACWY

Ages 13–24 who missed school vaccine

1 single dose

Practical Advice for Parents

At the current time:

There is no need to panic
However, it is sensible to take a proactive and informed approach

We recommend:

✔ Reviewing your child’s immunisation history

✔ Checking status for:

Meningitis B
Meningitis ACWY
Other key vaccines (especially MMR)

✔ Considering whether any catch-up vaccinations are appropriate

Vaccine Availability & Next Steps

There is currently limited supply of Meningitis B vaccine in the UK, although we expect availability to improve in the coming days. We anticipate access to MenACWY vaccines shortly and have stock on order.

Reserve List System

If you would like your child vaccinated please email: reception@edgcare.net

Include:

Your name
Child’s name(s)
Vaccine required (MenB or MenACWY)

We are operating a reserve list system, and will contact you as soon as stock becomes available.

Pricing

Meningitis ACWY: £70
Meningitis B (Bexsero): £120 per dose

Important Note

The above information is general guidance only and should not replace individual medical advice. Every child or young adult is different, and vaccination decisions should be made based on a personalised clinical assessment.