Meningitis Important Information
Symptoms To Look Out For
Meningitis can make someone very unwell very quickly, therefore we are asking everyone to be aware of the symptoms:-
- High temperature
- Being sick or feeling very sick
- A bad headache that feels worse than usual
- A stiff neck
- Not liking bright lights
- Feeling very sleepy, confused, or difficult to wake
- A rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is pressed firmly on it
- In babies: unusual crying, irritability, refusing feeds, or cold hands and feet
You can read the full NHS guidance here.
What To Do
If you’re worried that someone might have meningitis, don’t wait. Call 999 for an ambulance, or go straight to A&E.
How Do I Check If I’ve Been Vaccinated?
Vaccinations work most effectively when given when they are offered or as close to that time as possible.
The Meningitis B (MenB) vaccination has been offered routinely to babies born on or after 1st May 2015, given at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year. Most people born before this date will not have been offered the MenB vaccine through the NHS routine immunisation schedule.
The MenACWY vaccine is available to those aged 13 years up to the age of 25.
Please check your NHS App for your vaccination status. Alternatively, contact us and we will check your medical record for you.
What Should I do If I’ve Missed My Meningitis Vaccine?
If you were born before 1 May 2015, there is no NHS catch up programme for the MenB vaccine.
Young children who have missed one or more dose of the MenB vaccine can have this free on the NHS before their second birthday. Please note that as an NHS service we CANNOT give the MenB vaccine (Bexsero) to anyone else but babies as part of their usual baby immunisation schedule.
Teenagers can arrange to have the MenACWY vaccine they have missed. Students under 25 years can also have a missed MenACWY. This is especially important before starting university or college. If that’s not possible, students should make arrangements with their new GP as soon as possible after term begins.
To request a Practice Nurse appointment for your Meningitis vaccination, please contact the practice on (0151) 256 9800.
Please note that if you are considered to be at specific risk then the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will contact you directly.
Can I Have The Meningitis B Vaccination Privately?
YES. The MenB vaccine can be accessed privately through high street pharmacies and travel clinics. Please note that we do not provide private vaccinations here at the surgery.