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Protecting Yourself and Your Family: Invasive Meningococcal Disease

We want to share some important health information with our patients. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the NHS are currently coordinating a health response to cases of invasive meningococcal disease. While these cases are being managed, it is important for everyone to stay informed and know what to look out for.

No new advice has been issued about accessing the Meningitis B vaccine, known as MenB, for the wider public.

Know the Signs and Symptoms

Meningitis can develop very quickly. Being able to spot the signs early and getting medical help can be life-saving.

Early symptoms may not always be present, but please look out for:

  • A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass
  • Sudden onset of high fever
  • Severe and worsening headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Dislike of bright lights
  • Very cold hands and feet
  • Seizures
  • Confusion or delirium
  • Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking

What You Should Do

  • If you are worried that you or a family member might be showing these symptoms, please take action immediately:
  • Emergency: Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you suspect meningitis or sepsis.
  • Act Fast: Don’t wait for a rash or all symptoms to appear; health can decline very quickly.
  • Advice: Call 111 if you are unsure or think you’ve been exposed.
  • Follow up: Seek medical help again if symptoms worsen or you remain concerned.

Reduce the risk

  • Wash hands regularly
  • Don’t share drinks, vapes, or cigarettes

Check Your Vaccination Status

One of the best ways to protect yourself is to ensure your vaccinations are up to date. You can easily check your records online:

Check your child’s vaccine history

We are encouraging parents of young people to proactively check their child’s vaccination history and ensure they are fully up to date with the UK schedule, especially their year 9 vaccines.
You can check your child’s vaccination record by:

  • Looking in your child’s Red Book
  • Asking your GP surgery

If your child is of secondary school age, and any vaccines are missing, please contact your local Immunisation Team to book a school or clinic appointment:

What protection does my secondary school aged child already have?
  • Children receive Meningitis B vaccine at 8 & 12 weeks of age and a booster at 1 year.
  • Children receive Hib/MenC at 1 year of age, which provides early protection.
  • In Year 9, young people are offered the MenACWY vaccine.
  • MenACWY provides protection during the later school years and into work/college/university, where risk is higher. We can immunise young adults up to the age of 25.
  • This means most secondary school aged children already have strong protection against the meningococcal strains of greatest concern in teens and young adults.

Where to Find More Information

For more detailed advice on symptoms and how to protect yourself, you can visit these official resources: