What is it and how do we get it:

Meningitis and septicaemia (Blood poisoning) often happen together. There are many different causes of meningitis, but the two most common organisms are viruses and bacteria. The range of incubation for most organisms causing meningitis is 2 days to 2 weeks. These pathogens often live in our bodies. Usually these germs stay in the intestines or in the nose and throat, where they may or may not make us sick. But if they spread to the tissues (meninges ) that surround the brain and spinal cord, they cause inflammation. The most predominant cause of meningitis is meningococcal bacteria – there are several different types, called A, B, C, W, X, Y and Z.

Symptoms of Meningitis:

Bacterial meningitis is life-threatening. Viral meningitis is rarely life-threatening, but can leave you with lifelong after-effects. The initial symptoms resemble of normal cold and flu. Also there is classic rash associated with meningitis usually looks like small, red pinpricks at first. If you press the side of a clear glass firmly against the skin and the rash doesn't fade, it's a sign of blood poisoning (septicaemia). Meningitis will lead to hearing loss or vision loss, memory and concentration problems, recurrent seizures (epilepsy) , co-ordination, movement and balance problems. loss of limbs – amputation of affected limbs is sometimes necessary

Childhood/ Routine Immunization program in the United Kingdom:

The Men B vaccine is offered to babies alongside their other routine vaccinations at: 8 weeks, 16 weeks and One year old. Children aged 13 to 14 (school year 9) are being offered the Men ACWY vaccine in school as part of the routine adolescent schools vaccination. Also at age 1, Men C vaccine is also given in a combined vaccine with Haemophilus Influenza type B (Hib).

Who should have this Vaccination:

1: Students going to university or college for the first time, including overseas and mature students, who have not yet had the Men ACWY.

2: Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. The following is quoted from Saudi Arabia Embassy: “Visitors from all countries: Visitors arriving for the purpose of Umrah or pilgrimage (Hajj) or for seasonal work are required to submit a certificate of vaccination with the quadrivalent (ACYW135) vaccine against meningitis issued no more than 3 years and no less than 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia)

Travellers going to destinations with Meningitis outbreaks:

When it comes to Meningitis immunization, the Nurse or the Pharmacist at the Bell Pharmacy Bow, will go through the range of options with you before administrating the dose.

Meningitis B

Inclusion and Exclusion list:

For patients above age of 6 months of age and under 50 years of age. There are inclusion and exclusion list that will be discussed with you during your appointment. You will be asked to fill in an assessment form with all your vaccination history details as well as any medical condition. Also we will go through any allergic reactions you might have. You can download the form here or you can fill it in during your appointment.

Name of the Vaccines subject to availabilities:

Meningitis ACWY

Inclusion and Exclusion list:

For patients above age of 2 years. There are inclusion and exclusion list that will be discussed with you during your appointment. You will be asked to fill in an assessment form with all your vaccination history details as well as any medical condition. Also we will go through any allergic reactions you might have. You can download the form here or you can fill it in during your appointment.

Name of the Vaccines subject to availabilities:

Side effects:

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people): sleepiness, headache, irritability, generally feeling unwell, injection site pain, injection site redness (≤ 50 mm), injection site firmness.

Please visit http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations.aspx, after putting your destinations, this website will advise you which vaccines are needed. This website is regularly updated and is authorised by NHS.