Back-to-school reminder: Protect your family against meningitis

Just over a week after pupils returned to school, parents and carers are being urged to check their teenagers are up to date with meningitis vaccinations, amid a rise in local cases.

Anyone can get meningitis, but babies, children, teenagers, and young adults are at the highest risk. While rare, meningitis and septicaemia can be devastating, life-changing, and sometimes fatal.

Babies are given the MenB vaccine to protect against a common type of bacteria that causes meningitis. Teenagers are offered the Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine, which protects against four other types of bacteria. The MenACWY vaccine is recommended for all teenagers, usually at ages 13–14 (school year 9) and is available up to age 25 for those who missed it at school.

Dr Rachel Gallyot, Chief Medical Officer of NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board, said:

“Meningitis can strike fast and have serious, lifelong consequences. Symptoms include high temperature, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, cold hands and feet, and a distinctive rash.

“Vaccination is the best protection. Even though vaccines are highly effective, they don’t prevent all types of meningitis, so it’s important to know the signs and act quickly.”

Jodie Dawkins, Programme and Quality Lead for Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) School Age Immunisation Service, said:

“Getting the MenACWY vaccine is quick, safe, and effective. Students in Year 9 who haven’t had it should do so this term. Vaccination protects not just you, but your friends, classmates, and the wider community.

If you have any questions or concerns, your vaccinator can provide guidance and support.”

With local uptake still low, now is the time to act. Vaccinations are being offered in schools this term to make protection simple and convenient.

How to get the MenB vaccine

Your GP surgery will usually contact you about your child’s MenB vaccinations. Children are offered 3 doses at 8 weeks old, 12 weeks old and 1 year old.

It’s best to have the vaccinations on time, but your child can still have the MenB vaccine up to the age of 2.

How to get the MenACWY vaccine

Teenagers are usually given the MenACWY vaccine at school when they’re 13 or 14 years old (school year 9). Catch-up vaccinations are offered in Year 10 and Year 11.

If your child has missed their school vaccination session, you can call the MPFT School Age Immunisation Service on 0300 124 0366, Monday-Friday 8:30am-12:30pm.

If you missed the vaccine when you were at school, you can still get it until the age of 25. Ask your GP practice about getting vaccinated.

For information about meningitis, visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis

For information about vaccinations and when to have them, visit: www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them

For more information about vaccinations and immunisations visit our web pages.