Meningitis vaccine

Updated: 03.08.2023
Approved by: General Practitioner, Alice Pan

Infectious meningitis is caused by meningococcal bacteria, and a vaccine is the most effective measure of protection. Young people aged 16–19 have a somewhat higher risk of infection compared to the rest of the population. A combination of close contact with other young people over several days, partying, high alcohol intake, sharing bottles and cigarettes, active or passive smoking, and little sleep can increase the risk of infection.

Symptoms

It is not always so easy to distinguish infectious meningitis from other diseases such as flu at the start. Infectious meningitis can cause small red dots on the skin that do not disappear with pressure when looking through a glass. It can also cause fever, headache, stiff neck, tiredness, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Symptoms of meningitis develop quickly. If you become ill, it is important to contact a doctor.

Why is it important to get vaccinated?

The meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illnesses such as blood poisoning and meningitis and, in the worst case, be life-threatening. That is why you want to avoid infection in circulation and recommend vaccination.

There may be different subgroups of the bacteria that require different vaccine types. After vaccination, it takes approximately two weeks before the vaccine provides protection.

Which vaccine is recommended for me?

There are two different types of vaccine for meningitis, and you can get a prescription for both types of vaccine from Dr. Dropin.

The vaccines protect against either meningococcal A, C, W-135, and Y or meningococcal B. Certain countries and educational institutions may require or strongly recommend vaccination against meningococcal disease; ACWY conjugate vaccine, meningococcal B vaccine or both ACWY conjugate vaccine and meningococcal B vaccine.

Side effects of the vaccine

As with all other vaccines, mild reactions such as redness and tenderness at the injection site, feeling sick with fever and nausea can occur. It usually passes quickly.

If you have had a serious allergic reaction to a vaccine, you should inform the health personnel who will administer the vaccine about this.