20/03/2026
You may have seen the recent Meningitis outbreak in the South of England. You can check your child's immunisation history on the NHS App.
If you have any queries please contact the Children’s Immunisation Team on 01253 951984
Protecting against meningococcal disease
It is important to be aware that meningococcal disease is caused by different groups of meningococcal bacteria. In the UK meningococcal disease is almost always caused by one of four meningococcal groups commonly known as MenB, MenC, MenW or MenY. These groups of meningococcal disease can be prevented with vaccines. MenA disease is rare in the UK but this can also be prevented by vaccination.
The following meningococcal vaccines are offered as part of the routine UK schedule:
MenB vaccine (which protects against most cases of MenB disease), routinely offered as 3 doses given as part of the infant immunisation programme at 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 12 months of age. Children born in the UK on or after 1 May 2015 have been offered this vaccine.
Hib-MenC vaccine (which protects against MenC disease), routinely offered at 12 months as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme.
MenACWY vaccine (which protects against MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY disease) routinely offered at 13 to 15 years of age (Year 9 and above).
Anyone born on or after 1 September 1996 who was eligible but missed their teenage MenACWY vaccine can still have the vaccine up to their 25th birthday. Anyone who is older and starting university for the first time can still have the vaccine up to their 25th birthday. For a young person still at school speak to their school provider to arrange vaccination otherwise you will need to make an appointment with their GP practice.
Please ensure your child is up to date with their routine vaccinations, by checking their vaccination history on the NHS App. Even if they had MenC vaccine when they were younger, it is important that teenagers get the MenACWY vaccine as it boosts protection against MenC disease and protects against more groups of meningococcal disease.
