What vaccines are available?

Vaccines are available to prevent some types of meningitis and most of these are available as part of the UK routine immunisation schedule.

However, not all types of meningitis can be prevented by these vaccines. It is important to know the signs and symptoms and seek urgent medical help if you are concerned.

Meningococcal bacteria can cause meningitis and septicaemia (meningococcal disease). There are five groups - A, B, C, W and Y - which commonly cause disease. A meningitis vaccine is now available to give some protection against these groups.

MenB

• Meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria are the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK
• A MenB vaccine is offered to babies at 2, 4 and 12 months
• The vaccine is also available privately

MenB FAQs

Our Beat it Now! campaign began in January 2013 after the MenB vaccine, Bexsero, was licensed for use in Europe. Now the vaccine is available to infants as part of the UK routine immunisation schedule. 

MenC

• Prior to the introduction of a vaccine in 1999, meningococcal group C (menC) bacteria were a common cause of bacterial meningitis
• A MenC vaccine – combined with Hib – is offered to infants at 12-13 months

MenACWY

• Meningococcal group W (MenW) disease has historically been rare in the UK, but since 2009 cases of MenW have increased year on year, and continue to do so
• From Autumn 2015, the MenACWY meningitis vaccine replaced the MenC vaccine for children in school. It is offered around 14 years of age
• To ensure all older pupils also received this vaccine, it was offered to 17-18 year olds in a three year ‘catch up’ programme and continues to be offered to new university entrants up to the age of 25 years

Men ACWY FAQs

Pneumococcal bacteria can cause meningitis and septicaemia. There are over 90 strains, but not all strains cause disease.

PCV

• A pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) protects against 13 strains that commonly cause disease. Babies born on or after 1 January 2020 are offered the vaccine at 12 weeks and 12-13 months.

PPV

• A pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) is offered to anyone aged 65 years and over
• It protects against 23 strains, but only has a limited period of protection and is not effective in children under two

Pneumococcal vaccines are also recommended for adults and children who are at increased risk of pneumococcal disease, for example, those with chronic respiratory or heart disease and those with cochlear implants. 

Anyone who has had invasive pneumococcal disease, including meningitis, should actively seek immunisation.

Hib

• Prior to the introduction of a vaccine in 1992, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria were the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in children under five
• A combined vaccine that protects against Hib, diptheria, tetanus, polio, pertussis and hepatitis B is offered to babies at 2, 3 and 4 months
• A different combined vaccine (Hib and Men C) is offered at 12-13 months

MMR

• The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella
• It is offered at 12-13 months and again at around 4 years
• Prior to the introduction of this vaccine, mumps was a common cause of viral meningitis in young children

BCG

• The BCG vaccine protects against tuberculosis (TB)
• The current immunisation programme in the UK targets babies, children and young people who are most at risk
• The vaccine is also offered to health workers and those who have been in contact with a TB case

The MenACWY vaccine is available to people travelling to areas of the world with a high incidence of MenA, C, W or Y disease e.g. sub-Saharan Africa or Saudi Arabia during Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

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24 - 30 April 2021

The World Health Organisation European Region celebrates European Immunisation Week (EIW) to raise awareness of the importance of immunisation in preventing diseases and protecting life. Vaccines save lives, even at this difficult time. Do not delay. Read more about European Immunisation Week.