Effective vaccines are available to prevent some types of bacterial meningitis, but not all, therefore it is important to know the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia so you can take action. There is still no vaccine to prevent meningococcal group B disease, which is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in Ireland. Development of an effective vaccine is now a major priority and experts believe this should be achievable in three to five years.
The following vaccines are offered as part of the childhood immunisation programme in Ireland:
MenCThe MenC vaccine, which was introduced onto the schedule in 2000, has dramatically reduced the number of cases of meningococcal group C disease by around 96% in all age groups.
Hib
Hib used to be the leading cause of meningitis in children under 5, with around 100 cases reported each year. Since the introduction of the Hib vaccine in 1992, cases of Hib meningitis are now rare, with around 5 cases reported each year.
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)
A new vaccine for pneumococcal disease was introduced into the National Childhood Immunisation Programme on 1st Septemebr 2008. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine offers protection against 7 different types of pneumococcal bacteria which cause approximately 90% of invasive disease (including meningitis) in the under 2s in Ireland. This vaccine has been very effective in the USA.
This vaccine will be given to children at 2, 6 and 12 months, and is available for all children up to age two for free under a catch up programme.
For more information on pneumococcal meningitis please see our Pneumococcal Meningitis Factsheet
Vaccination Schedule for Children born on or after 1st July 2008
| Age | Where | Vaccination |
At Birth | Hospital/Clinic GP GP GP GP GP GP/School School | BCG (TB) 6 in 1 + PCV 6 in 1 + Men C 6 in 1 + Men C + PCV MMR + PCV Men C + Hib 4 in 1 + MMR Td |
BCG = Bacille Calmette-Guérin
6 in 1 = Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae b, Hepatitis B
PCV = Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
Men C = Meningococcal C
MMR = Measles, Mumps, Rubella
Hib = Haemophilus influenzae b
4 in 1 = Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio
Td = Tetanus, diphtheria
To view the full immunisation schedule for Ireland click here
http://www.immunisation.ie/en/ChildhoodImmunisation/Timetable/
Vaccines and Viral Meningitis
Some viruses that cause diseases such as measles and mumps can also cause meningitis. The routine MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella (German Measles). Before its introduction, mumps was the most common cause of viral meningitis in children.
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV)
A pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) is available and recommended for adults and children who have had, or who are at increased risk of pneumococcal disease (for example, those with asthma, chronic heart disease, diabetes mellitus and those with cochlear implants). This vaccine is also routinely offered to adults over 65. The vaccine protects against 23 strains of pneumococcal bacteria, but has a limited period of protection and is not effective in babies under 2 years old.
Meningitis and Travel
Travel vaccines are available to prevent some groups of meningococcal disease. These offer protection for three to five years, but are not effective in infants and young children. Your doctor’s surgery or health centre will have specific, up to date information on all vaccines needed before travelling.
For more information on vaccines, download our fact sheet Meningitis Vaccines or call our helpline on 1800 523 196.
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