18/03/2026
Meningitis and septicaemia: know the symptoms and when to get help -
What to do
•
Worried about yourself or someone else? Call NHS 111 for urgent advice
•
If someone is seriously unwell or symptoms are getting worse quickly, call 999 immediately
Vaccination and prevention
Vaccination helps protect against some types of meningococcal disease.
The MenACWY vaccine protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria (MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY) that can cause meningitis and septicaemia. The vaccine is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10.
Any young person who has missed this vaccine at school remains eligible to receive the vaccine up to the age of 25.
However, it does not protect against all strains. Other strains, such as MenB, can circulate among young adults. This is why it is important for everyone to know the signs and symptoms regardless of vaccination status.
MenB Vaccine has been given to infants since 2015. There is not currently a catch-up campaign although this is currently under review, however the vaccine is available privately.
