- Several vaccinations are available through the NHS schedule to protect against meningitis, which can be caused by various infections; individuals should consult their GP to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.
- The MenB vaccine protects against meningococcal group B bacteria, a common cause of meningitis in young children, with doses given at 8 and 12 weeks, and a booster at 1 year.
- The 6-in-1 vaccine offers protection against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), a cause of meningitis, administered at 8, 12, 16 weeks, and 18 months.
- The pneumococcal vaccine protects against serious infections, including meningitis, given to babies at 16 weeks with a 1-year booster, and a single dose for adults aged 65 or over.
- The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, as meningitis can be a complication of these, while the MenACWY vaccine targets four specific meningococcal bacteria types, offered to teenagers and young adults.
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