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This page provides a brief summary of the disease and the vaccine that is available to prevent it. Links to more detailed information are provided at the bottom of the page.
What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is a serious illness caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. This bacterial infection can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining around the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning).
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What are the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease?
The onset of meningococcal disease can be very quick.The symptoms of meningococcal disease include fever, stiff neck, headache, joint pains, and a rash. If you think your child or baby has signs of meningococcal disease get medical help immediately from your G.P. or nearest paediatric A&E. In some cases acting quickly to get medical help can mean the difference between life and death. More information is available at www.meningitis-trust.ie
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Is meningococcal disease serious?
Yes. Meningococcal disease is a very serious life threatening illness.
Of the people who get meningococcal disease:
- 1 in 15 will die
- 1 in 10 people who recover will have a major disability such as deafness, brain damage or loss of fingers, toes, hands, feet, arms or legs
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How do people get meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal bacteria can live at the back of the throat or in the nose.Most people, who carry these bacteria (carriers), remain well but they can spread the bacteria to others through coughing, sneezing, or kissing.Close personal contact with a carrier sometimes leads to infection.You need many hours of close personal contact to become infected as the bacteria do not survive long outside the body.
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Who is most at risk?
Meningococcal disease may occur at any age but the highest rate of meningococcal disease occurs in children under 5 years of age, especially children under one year of age. The next highest risk group are young people aged 15-19 years.In Ireland the risk of infection is highest in winter and early spring.
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Can meningococcal disease be treated?
Yes. Early diagnosis leads to early treatment with antibiotics and a greater chance that the person will make a full recovery.Early diagnosis is the key so if you suspect that someone may have meningitis or septicaemia seek medical attention immediately.
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Are there different types of meningococcal disease?
Yes. There are different groups of the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria that cause meningococcal disease.Before the introduction of the meningitis C (MenC) vaccine in 2000, groups B and C caused most cases of meningococcal disease in Ireland.Thanks to the MenC vaccine against group C bacteria, the number of cases of meningococcal disease due to group C bacteria has fallen dramatically.Most cases are now caused by group B bacteria.
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How can meningococcal C disease be prevented?
Meningococcal C disease can be prevented by vaccination. The meningococcal group C conjugate (MenC) vaccine was introduced into the infant immunisation schedule in Ireland in October 2000. This vaccine is given to children at 4 and 6 months of age. A third dose is required at 13 months of age.
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Does the meningococcal C (MenC) vaccine protect against all meningococcal disease?
No.Only meningococcal C is prevented by the MenC vaccine.Other types of meningococcal infection are not covered by this vaccine.At this time there is no effective vaccine for meningococcal group B disease in Ireland.Therefore, it is very important to remain alert for symptoms of meningococcal disease.Urgent medical attention should be sought if symptoms occur.
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How effective is the MenC vaccine?
The MenC vaccine has been shown to be safe and very effective.Since the vaccine was introduced in late 2000, the number of cases of meningococcal disease, due to group C bacteria, has declined dramatically.The number of reported cases has fallen from 139 in 2000 to just 4 in 2008; a reduction of 97%.
Note: The meningococcal C vaccine only protects against group C meningococcal disease and does not protect against other forms of the disease, most importantly group B meningococcal disease.
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What are the potential side effects of the vaccine?
After getting the vaccine, your child may be sore, swollen or red around the area where the injection was given. They may be irritable and have a fever. If this happens you can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen. You should also give them plenty to drink. Make sure they are not too warm and that their clothes are not rubbing against the injection area.
Of the babies who are immunised:
- 1 in 10 will become irritable
- 1 in 20 will get redness or swelling where the injection was given
- 1 in 20 will get a fever
- 1 in 100 may get a tummy upset or vomit
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Where can I find out more?
You can ask for further information regarding immunisation from your G.P., Public Health Nurse or Local HSE clinic. The Men C vaccine parent information leaflet can be downloaded here. This leaflet is available in the following languages Irish, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, French, German, Romanian, Russian, Polish, Portuguese
In addition the links below provide some more detailed information:
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