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    Home > Protect > Why vaccinate? > Meningitis C

    Meningitis C (MenC)

    Childhood protection against meningitis C

    Meningococcal disease is the result of a systemic bacterial infection by Neisseria meningitidis. The infection most commonly presents as either meningitis or septicaemia, or a combination of both.

    In 1999, the Department of Health introduced the MenC conjugate vaccine to the UK routine immunisation programme to protect infants, children and adolescents under the age of 18 against meningitis C. In January 2002, the campaign was extended to include all adults under 25 years of age.578

    You should make sure your child receives all their routine childhood vaccinations, as it is the most effective way of keeping them protected against infectious diseases.

    Click here to view our interactive wheel, showing the current routine childhood vaccinations.

    Anyone can get meningitis. It is more common in infants and babies but young people and adults, especially older adults, are also vulnerable. If you are in an ‘at risk’ group and have not yet been vaccinated, you should consult your doctor or nurse.

    Vaccination can help protect you and your family from this dangerous disease.

    Is it meningitis or septicaemia?

    To see what symptoms to look out for click here.

    You can also check whether you have a particular risk of contracting meningitis or septicaemia by clicking here.

    Points to remember

    • Diagnosing meningitis can often be difficult, as symptoms are similar to the flu (influenza)
    • The Tumbler Test is where a clear glass is placed firmly on one of the spots or blotches. If it doesn’t fade and is still visible through the glass, it is likely that the rash is caused by septicaemia BUT this is not a definitive diagnosis
    • If a GP suspects meningitis, he will immediately refer the person to hospital
    • A sample of spinal fluid will be taken to check for the presence of bacteria or viruses
    • Treatment of meningitis and septicaemia is a medical emergency. It is a priority to control the infection as soon as possible when this diagnosis is suspected, usually with antibiotics
    • Treatment then differs according to the type of infection, but is extremely complicated and requires the support of the multidisciplinary medical team in both the acute infective phase and then the recovery

    Who is at risk?

    Are you or a member of your family at risk from meningitis C (Men C)? To find out more information and to use our interactive ‘who is at risk’ tool...

    Read More >
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