If you are feeling unwell and unsure or worried please call NHS 111 for advice.

If you or someone you know develops symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia, seek medical help urgently by going to the nearest Accident and Emergency department or calling 999.

Find out the latest on the UKHSA website. 

How do I know if my child has been vaccinated for meningitis?

Many people can view your GP health record, or your child's record, using the NHS App or by logging into your account on the NHS website. This will include information about vaccinations you or your child has had.

You can create an account if you do not already have one.

To view your GP record online, you must be:

  • registered with a GP surgery
  • aged 16 or over

When you create an account, you'll need to prove your identity before you can view your GP health record. This helps keep your record secure.

What should I do if my child has missed the meningitis vaccine?

To get the best protection, it is important for you or your child to have your vaccines when they are offered, or as soon as possible afterwards if they were missed. Children who have missed one or more dose of the MenB vaccine can receive these free of charge up to their second birthday.

Teenagers can arrange to have vaccines they have missed. This is especially important before starting university or college. If that's not possible, they should contact their new GP as soon as they arrive. All GP practices should be able to offer free missed MenACWY to students who are under 25 years. International students in the same age group are also eligible for these routine vaccines.

If you were born before 1 May 2015, there is no NHS catch up programme for the MenB vaccine. 

How is meningitis treated?

People with suspected meningitis usually have tests in hospital to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it's viral or bacterial.

Bacterial meningitis typically requires hospital treatment for at least a week, including:

  • antibiotics given directly into a vein
  • fluids given directly into a vein
  • oxygen through a face mask if required.

Viral meningitis often doesn't require hospital treatment and tends to improve on its own within 7 to 10 days. Treatment focuses on rest, painkillers and anti-sickness medication to relieve symptoms

Are you advising schools and institutions to close?

UKHSA Health Protection Teams will contact schools, universities or other settings who need to take additional precautions.