18/05/2026
General Information for preventing the spread of meningococcal disease (from UK Health Security Agency)
Preventing the spread of meningococcal disease
The best way to stop the spread of disease is by giving antibiotics to the very close contacts of the patient with the illness.
There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection. The MenACWY vaccination gives good protection against MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY strains and is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10. It is routinely offered to teenagers in school (typically in years 9–10, around age 13–15) as a single dose. A broader catch up programme is available for those who missed the vaccine, allowing vaccination up to the age of 25, with particular emphasis on young adults entering university who may be at higher risk.
Babies born on or after the 1st May 2015 are offered protection against Meningococcal group B strain with a vaccine on the NHS. Most people born before this date will not have been offered the Strain B vaccine and there is no current catch up programme for teenagers/adults.
The vaccines don’t protect from all types (strains) of this bacteria. It’s therefore important to know how to spot the symptoms of Meningitis and septicaemia as early detection and treatment can save lives.
How to check your child’s vaccination history
You can confirm which vaccines your child has already received by:
• Checking their Red Book
• Contacting their GP surgery
• Looking for previous school immunisation emails sent via Cinnamon Digital
• Using the NHS App – you may need to contact your child’s GP surgery to set up proxy access to your child’s NHS record. Once proxy access is granted, you will be able to view their immunisation history directly in the NHS App.
Guidance is available here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/help/vaccinations/view-vaccinations/
Steps to view immunisation records via the NHS App
• Open the NHS App and select your GP health record.
• Read the important notice and select Continue.
• Select ‘Immunisations’ to view your child’s vaccination history.
• If any information appears incorrect or missing, please contact your child’s GP surgery.
This process allows parents and carers to easily access and manage their child’s immunisation records, ensuring they remain up to date and in line with NHS guidance.
Symptoms of meningococcal disease
It is sensible to be aware of the main signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, outlined below. Some common signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease:
- High temperature
- Rapid breathing
- Vomiting or diarrhoea and stomach cramps
- Joint or muscle pain
- Cold hands and feet
- Severe headache
- Pale blotchy skin
- Stiff neck
- Confusion and/or irritability
- Dislike of bright light
- Drowsiness or difficult to wake
- Rash or bruising rash
- Seizures or fits
One or more of these symptoms may develop and they can appear in any order.
Meningococcal disease can be hard to identify at first because it can be like a bad case of flu. However, anyone affected with meningococcal disease will usually become seriously ill within a few hours. You should keep checking yourself/ your child if they are unwell and contact your GP (family doctor) or NHS 111 for advice if you have any concerns. If you become worried about your/your child’s condition, particularly if they are getting worse, seek medical help urgently at the closest A&E Department or by dialling 999.
Be watchful and use your instincts. Early treatment can be lifesaving.
Further information on meningococcal disease is available from:
The Meningitis Research Foundation, www.meningitis.org telephone: 0808 800 3344
Meningitis Now, www.meningitisnow.org telephone: 0808 80 10 388 helpline email address: helpline@meningitisnow.org
Meningitis Now is the UK's largest meningitis charity, offering support, funding research and raising awareness. Find out about the work we do to save lives
