Meningitis Vaccination

Meningitis ACWY

The Meningitis ACWY vaccine is being offered in response to a rapid increase in cases of a highly aggressive strain of meningococcal disease group W. This disease can cause meningitis and septicemia that can kill in hours and those who recover may be left severely disabled. The vaccine also protects against three other meningococcal groups too – A, C and Y.

Currently, all young people in school years 9 and 10 are eligible to receive the three-in-one Meningitis ACWY vaccine. In addition, students under 25 starting university for the first time are also eligible. . If you are outside of the age range but are starting University for the first time,  we encourage you to make an appointment.

Please contact Reception to arrange an appointment with Michele, our Practice Nurse to be given the Meningitis ACWY vaccine.

There is more detailed information available on the NHS  website at http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/men-acwy-vaccine.aspx

Meningitis B

Meningitis B is a serious illness which currently affects 500 – 1700 people each year. It is most common in children under 5 with a higher number of cases in babies under 12 months.

Meningitis B vaccination will be given at the same time as other routine childhood vaccinations.  In most cases three doses are given, two by 4 months and one at 12 months.

Furthermore, whilst fever can be a side effect of most childhood vaccinations, it is more common when the Meningitis B vaccine is given. Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of fever, the Department of Health recommend that you give your baby a dose of paracetamol as soon as possible after vaccination.

There is also more detailed information available on the NHS  website at http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/meningitis-B-vaccine.aspx

Further, MenB leaflet is a leaflet that explains all aspects of the Meningitis B vaccination program.