Vaccination against meningococcal disease
Some people are at higher risk of meningococcal disease. Find out about getting the vaccine. Read more
Meningococcal disease
Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that causes two very serious illnesses: meningitis (an infection in the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning).
Summary
Meningococcal disease can cause death or permanent disability, such as deafness.
It can affect anyone – but it’s more common in children under the age of 5, teenagers, and young adults.
It’s really important to know the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease – because it develops very quickly.
Meningococcal disease can be difficult to diagnose because it can look like other illnesses. It can be treated with antibiotics – but early treatment is very important.
Related websites
Best Health
Best Health is part of the medical publishing division of the British Medical Association.
- Meningococcal disease – explains what the symptoms are.
The Immunisation Advisory Centre
Independent, factual information on the benefits and risks of immunisation and vaccine-preventable disease.
Plunket
Helpful information for infants and children.
Kidshealth
Developed by the Starship Foundation and the Paediatric Society of New Zealand.
- Meningococcal disease – includes information on symptoms and what the meningococcal rash looks like.
Find out more from the Ministry
- Meningococcal disease - Access information that is targeted at health professionals – it gives more technical detail, case numbers, links to resources, and similar.
Symptoms
Meningococcal disease has a range of general symptoms. These include:
- a high fever
- headache
- sleepiness
- joint and muscle pains.
There can also be some more specific symptoms, such as:
- a stiff neck
- dislike of bright lights
- vomiting
- crying
- refusal to feed (in infants)
- a rash consisting of reddish-purple pin-prick spots or bruises.
What to do
If you or anyone in your family has these symptoms, call your doctor straight away.
You can also call Healthline free on 0800 611 116 at any hour of the day or night – even if you have already been seen by a health professional.
If you have seen a doctor and gone home, but are still concerned, don't hesitate to call your doctor again or seek further medical advice.
Treatment
Meningococcal disease can develop very quickly.
It's important to be aware of the symptoms so you can get medical help straight away – whether it’s day or night.
Meningococcal disease can be treated with antibiotics – but early treatment is very important.
Prevention
Meningococcal disease is spread from person-to-person through coughing, sneezing, and sharing food and drinks.
To help stop meningococcal bacteria from spreading:
- cover your nose or mouth when you sneeze or cough
- wash and dry your hands
- don’t share spit – for example, avoid sharing drink bottles.
Immunisation
There are several different types of meningococcal disease. Most cases in New Zealand have been group B. There is currently no vaccine that protects against this group.
From 2004–2008 New Zealand children and teenagers were offered the MeNZB vaccine, which protected against a particular strain of group B meningococcal disease. This vaccine did not protect against any other strains or types of meningococcal disease and is no longer available.
There are vaccines that protect against meningococcal group C disease. These vaccines are recommended for some people – for example, tertiary students living in hostel accommodation. Talk to your GP if you have questions about meningococcal C immunisation or want to purchase this vaccine (it isn't free).
Meningococcal vaccines don't provide long-term protection. That’s why it’s important that you're aware of the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease, and seek medical advice quickly if you're concerned.
Resources
Meningitis (Meningococcal Disease) is Serious
Available on Healthed in multiple languages
Page last updated: 15 February 2012
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