What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is a significant public health concern in eastern and northern Africa, with the disease being most prevalent in a region known as the “meningitis belt.” This belt extends across sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east. It requires close and prolonged contact with an infected person. The bacteria are spread through respiratory droplets or throat secretions from carriers or infected individuals. This mode of transmission means that crowded places with poor hygiene and inadequate ventilation can be hotspots for the spread of the bacteria. For instance, universities, schools, and army camps are environments where young people live in close proximity, often sharing living and dining spaces.

How to prevent Meningitis

Preventing meningitis involves a combination of vaccination and good hygiene practices. The most effective means of prevention is to get the vaccine, particularly for infants, young children, teenagers, and individuals with medical conditions that make them vulnerable to the disease. Other ways include practicing good hygiene ,such as regular hand washing with soap and water, covering the mouth while coughing and sneezing and not sharing food, drink or utensils.

Are there any side effects of the Meningitis Vaccination?

About 1 in 10 people who have the vaccine will suffer some form of headache, feeling of tiredness or loss of appetite. Approximately 1 in 100 will experience redness or rash around the injection site or cases of vomiting. 1 in 1000 will experience dizziness or itching around the injection site and 1 in 10000 may suffer from urticaria, have swelling or pain in their lymph nodes or stomach pain.

If you suffer from any of the above symptoms or others, you should report it to your GP even if you don’t believe that it is due to the vaccine.

What does a Meningitis vaccination cost?

£55 (ACWY)
£120 (B)

Where will I need a Meningitis Vaccination?

The Meningitis Belt from Senegal to Ethiopia
Sub-Saharan Africa