Childhood protection against meningitis and septicaemia

Getting children vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect them against serious diseases.  The pneumococcal vaccination can offer protection against pneumococcal meningitis caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, one of the most deadly types of the disease.

Meningitis and septicaemia particularly affects the very young, older adults and those where infection is more common because of underlying conditions. Vaccination can help protect them from these dangerous diseases.

Since September 2006, it has been offered to all children under two years of age as part of the UK national childhood immunisation programme.

Protect against meningitis and septicaemia

• It’s vital to know the symptoms and what to do if you suspect your patient has meningitis and septicaemia
• Babies and children are more vulnerable to meningitis and septicaemia as their immune systems aren’t fully developed
• Vaccinated children are less likely to be a source of infection to others
• Vaccination will reduce the risk if unvaccinated individuals are being exposed to infection. This concept is sometimes called ‘herd immunity’

Is it meningitis or septicaemia?

To see what symptoms to look out for click here.

Pneumococcal vaccine

Pfizer Vaccines supplies Prevenar 13® (Pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (13-valent, adsorbed)) for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease, in infants and children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Click here to view the product information.