What is Meningitis?
Meningitis causes swelling of the membranes lining the brain and spinal cord, which itself can be life-threatening, as well as the risk of brain or nerve damage in those who recover. But there’s also a high risk of blood infection, leading to sepsis, once the bacteria crosses the blood-brain barrier.
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
Symptoms – which include a high temperature, severe headache, cold hands and feet, a stiff neck, delirium and fatigue – can worsen extremely rapidly. A rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
How can I protect myself?
Thankfully, vaccination has reduced the burden of meningitis across the board.
Babies are offered routine immunisation against meningitis B, the most common strain. The Meningitis B vaccine was added to the UK NHS childhood immunisation programme for babies born on or after 1 July 2015. Prior to this babies may have received a meningitis C vaccine. If your baby has not had this vaccine they can have this up to the age of 2 years old.
The NHS also vaccinates teenagers, typically in year 9 or 10, with the meningitis ACWY jab that protects against other, less common, but equally dangerous strains. As the The Meningitis B vaccine was added to the UK NHS childhood immunisation programme for babies born on or after 1 July 2015 that means current teenagers will not have been able to have it.
What are the changes from 20th July 2026?
From the 20th of July NHS England will expand the scheme to offer Meningitis B vaccinations for year 13 students, people under 25 starting university as undergraduates, people under 25 moving into residential further education settings. First vaccinations will be available under the end of 2026.
This scheme will be provided by Pharmacies https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/find-a-pharmacy-that-offers-walkin-menb-vaccinations-for-young-people/
More information is available here https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/06/12/who-is-eligible-for-the-new-one-off-menb-vaccine-programme/
How do I check whether I have been vaccinated?
The easiest way is to use the NHS app to check your vaccination status.
If your medical records do not show that you have been vaccinated it is worth calling Child Health Information Services are contactable on 0300 561 0294 Option 2 if you feel you may have the vaccine at school. Not all vaccinations at school are notified to the GP practice.
Is there a particular cohort the practice is recalling?
Those who are currently up to 25years of age should have been offered a meningitis ACWY vaccine in Year 9 of school. For this cohort of patients up to the age of 25, who have previously declined or not had one and are eligible for a meningitis ACWY vaccine can be offered one. The most convenient way is to log a routine request here https://accurx.nhs.uk/patient-initiated/P91604
Is there any other support available?
For any other queries or to check whether you had a vaccine at school that isn’t listed on your medical records call Child Health Information Services are contactable on 0300 561 0294 Option 2.
