Meningococcal (Meningitis) Vaccine (SCT)
You may have heard scary stories in the news about teens who have died of meningitis. In this lesson you will learn about meningitis and how to protect yourself against it.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by either viruses or bacteria. Viral meningitis is more common but is usually far less serious than bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is less common but can be very serious. It can cause brain damage, deafness, loss of limbs and even death. The really scary thing about bacterial meningitis is that it can be deadly within a matter of hours.
How is meningitis spread?
The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis are spread from person to person by coughing, sneezing, or close face-to-face contact. They can also be spread through spit (saliva). This means that activities such as kissing or sharing of food, drinks, cigarettes, lipsticks and water bottles are ways they can be spread. So, to be safe, it’s best not to share these items.
How can I get protected from meningitis?
The good news is that there are vaccines that can protect you against bacterial meningitis. These are called meningococcal vaccines. “Meningococcal” is the name of a bacteria that causes meningitis.
In Scotland, the MenACWY vaccine helps protect against meningitis and septicemia (blood poisoning) caused by four groups of meningococcal bacteria: A, C, W and Y. It is offered free to pupils from S3.
The meningitis B (MenB) vaccine helps protect against meningitis and septicemia (blood poisoning) caused by a group of meningococcal bacteria B.
In Scotland since September 2015, the MenB vaccine is routinely offered to all babies at 8, 16 weeks and 12 to 13 months.
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
It's important to know the signs of meningitis. Meningitis symptoms can appear in any order, at any time. Early symptoms of meningitis and septicemia are mild and similar to those you get with the flu.
Meningitis is inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. This causes pressure on the brain, resulting in symptoms like:
- severe headache
- stiff neck
- dislike of bright light
- drowsiness
- convulsions/fits
If you have questions about meningitis, see https://www.nhsinform.scot/meningitis.
Some important things to know:
- Even if you've had the MenACWY vaccine, you could still be at risk of meningitis B, particularly if you're moving away to university or college.
- For more information about the symptoms of septicemia, see NHS Inform.
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This was just one of the lessons in our Vaccine Preventable Diseases section. There are over 30 lessons on Kids Boost Immunity just like this one on a variety of subjects. Each lesson includes a quiz, and every time a student scores 80% or higher on a quiz, we will donate life-saving vaccines to UNICEF UK. Sign up now!
