Meningococcal Disease

Meningitis B Vaccine is not available on the NHS

This is the biggest killer of children under 5 than any other infectious disease in the UK.

Meningococcal infection can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), septicaemia (blood poisoning) or both. It is the commonest bacterial cause of meningitis in the UK. The bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis, normally lives in the back of the throat and nose and around 1 in 10 people carry the bacteria without having the disease. The bacteria is spread through sneezing, coughing and kissing.

There are several strains however, the advent of a vaccine against meningitis strain C has meant that Meningococcal group B is the culprit in 85-90% of cases. Meningococcal infection can occur at any age, but around half of cases are in those under 5 years of age, particularly infants less than 1 year. The second main age group is between 15-19 years of age (around 1 in 4 teenagers carry the bacteria).

The vaccine is effective against around 88% of the UK circulating strains of meningococcal group B and 78% of the European circulating strains. It can be given from 2 months of age as 3 injections + booster (4 injections) . From 6 months, 2 injections + booster (3 injections) are required, with a further 2 injections + booster (3 injections) within 1-2 years depending on age. The duration of protection and further doses has not yet been determined. The duration of protection and further doses has not yet been determined.

Prevention

Vaccination is now available against the common circulating strains of meningococcus, we stock the following vaccines.

• New-Group B Meningitis Vaccine. From 2 months of age.
• Meningitis ACW₁₃₅Y vaccine provides effective protection against the major strains occurring globally and is particularly important when traveling. This vaccine also provides protection against Meningococcal C strain.

The Illness

Symptoms can develop within hours and can be non-specific. It is [particularly hard to identify the infection in babies.  The rash does not always occur. In children and adults, symptoms can include

• sudden onset of a high fever
• a severe headache
• dislike of bright lights (photophobia)
• vomiting
• painful joints
• fitting
• drowsiness that can deteriorate into a coma
• In some babies, there may also be a high pitched moaning or whimpering
• blank starring, inactivity, hard to wake up
• poor feeding
• neck retraction with arching of the back
• pale and blotchy complexion

Septicaemia occurs if the bacteria enter the bloodstream. A characteristic rash develops and may start as a cluster of pinprick blood spots under the skin, spreading to form bruises under the skin. The rash can appear anywhere on the body. It can be distinguished from other rashes by the fact that it does not fade when pressed under the bottom of a glass (the tumbler test).

Treatment

The infection is treatable with antibiotics. Prompt treatment is essential as the bacteria spread rapidly. Fatality occurs in about 10% of cases of meningitis and up to 50% of cases of septicaemia. Around 10% of survivors have a major disability as a consequence of the infection.

It can be given from 2 months of age as 3 injections + booster (4 injections) . From 6 months, 2 injections + booster (3 injections) are required, with a further 2 injections + booster (3 injections) within 1-2 years depending on age. The duration of protection and further doses has not yet been determined.

Age
2 – 5 months	3 injections + booster (4th injection) At least 1 month apart. 1st: 2 months of age 2nd and 3rd: at least 1 month apart Boost: between age 12 -15 months, no later than 24 months. (The Lanes Medical Practice follows the regime recommended by the manufacturer Novartis)
6 – 11 months	2 injections + booster (3rd injection) At least 2 months apart. Boost: Age 1 on, at least 2 months after 2nd injection.
12 – 23 months	2 injections + booster (3rd injection) At least 2 months apart. Boost: At least 12 – 23 months after 2nd injection.
2 years – 10 years	2 injections At least 2 months apart.
Age 11 – 49 years	2 injections At least 1 month apart.
Age 50 years and over	No data. Discuss with the doctor. Can still be done.

It can be given at the same time as other childhood vaccines and the side effect profile is similar to other vaccines.

Meningitis Group B Vaccination Bexsero is available at The Lanes Practice. Due to unprecedented demand and shortages throughout the UK we are employing a failsafe system of vaccination whereby when you have a first dose administered we reserve a second. Both doses are sold at the administration of the first dose.

We will be launching an online booking service very shortly please keep checking our website. Thank you for your continued patience.