This website has been developed by GSK in partnership with Meningitis Now, Meningitis Research Foundation and A Life for a Cure and is funded by GSK. It is intended for UK members of the public.

Help protect your family

Transmission of meningitis usually requires either frequent or prolonged close contact. There are many ways to protect you and your family from bacteria that cause meningitis. Certain vaccines are available for free on the NHS, however, even if you've had one meningitis vaccine, you may still be missing protection from certain types.

See below to find out how to protect you and your family.

How can you help prevent the spread of meningitis?¹

The bacteria can spread from one person to another by droplets from the nose and mouth. While they do not spread as easily as infections like flu, those in close contact with someone with meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria are at increased risk of picking up the infection.

Consider vaccination

Speak to your pharmacist, nurse or doctor for more information on how to protect you and your family.

Wash hands

Particularly before and after eating, and after spending time in crowded areas.

Avoid sharing

Avoid swapping cutlery, sharing drinks or straws, lip balms or toothbrushes.

Cover mouth

When coughing or sneezing, especially in crowded places or if you are feeling unwell.

You can reduce the risk of getting meningitis by ensuring all your vaccinations are up to date.²

Teenage vaccination²

There are vaccines available to cover the main groups of invasive meningococcal disease:

Meningitis ACWY:

This is on the NHS schedule and is offered in school or local surgery to 13 to 15 year old pupils as part of the school age immunisation service. Teenagers should check they have had this vaccine with their healthcare professional.

Meningitis B:

This is offered by the NHS to babies born after May 2015. Teenagers are unlikely to have received this.

Contact your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for more information.

Young children vaccination²

Young children are offered a number of vaccinations on the NHS to protect against most types of meningitis.

However, most children born before May 2015 will not have been offered a vaccination to protect against Meningitis B. Visit the NHS website for more information.

Always know the signs and symptoms of meningitis, as it's important to recognise them even if you or your family have been vaccinated.

If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any side effects not listed in the patient information leaflet.

You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.ukor search for MHRA Yellowcard in the Google Play or Apple App store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Learn more

References

Meningitis Research Foundation website: How does Meningitis spread? Accessed November 2024.
NHS Meningitis website: Causes; Vaccination. Accessed November 2024.