MenC vaccine
The MenC vaccine protects against meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) caused by meningococcal group C bacteria.
The MenC vaccine is usually offered to babies aged three and four months of age at the same time as they receive the DTa/IPV/Hib vaccine.
Before the MenC vaccine was introduced, this disease caused about 1,500 cases and 150 deaths each year in the UK.
The vaccine does not protect against meningitis caused by other bacteria or by viruses.
Questions and answers:
- How effective is the MenC vaccine?
- Are there any possible side effects?
- What is meningitis?
- What is septicaemia?
- What are the main symptoms of meningitis in babies?
- What are the main symptoms of septicaemia in babies?
- What are the main symptoms of meningitis in older children, adolescents and adults?
- What are the main symptoms of septicaemia in older children, adolescents and adults?
- What is the glass test?
How effective is the MenC vaccine?
Since the vaccine was introduced, the number of babies under the age of one with the group C disease has fallen by about 95% across the UK. A booster dose of MenC in the second year of life is needed to provide longer-term protection.
Are there any possible side effects?
Your baby may have redness, swelling or tenderness where they had the injection. About half of all the babies who have the vaccine may become irritable, and about 1 in 20 could get a mild fever.
Read more about the common side effects of immunisations that might occur in babies and young children up to five years of age.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain. Meningitis can be caused by several types of bacteria or virus. Infection with meningococcal bacteria can cause diseases such as meningitis, septicaemia (blood poisoning), pericarditis (inflammation of the lining of the sac that contains the heart) and arthritis (swelling of the joints). If you suspect meningitis, get help urgently. You can call NHS Helpline on 0800 22 44 88, 8am–10pm, 7 days a week.
What is septicaemia?
Septicaemia is a very serious condition in which the bloodstream becomes infected. The signs of cold hands and feet, pale skin, vomiting and being very sleepy or difficult to wake can come on quickly. If you suspect septicaemia, get help urgently. You can call NHS Helpline on 0800 22 44 88 for free, 8am–10pm, 7 days a week.
What are the main symptoms of meningitis in babies?
Symptoms in babies may include:
- a high-pitched, moaning cry
- irritable when picked up
- a bulging fontanelle
- drowsy and less responsive – difficult to wake
- floppy and listless, or stiff with jerky movements
- refusing feeds, vomiting
- skin that is pale, blotchy or turning blue
- a rash (see the glass test)
- fever.
What are the main symptoms of septicaemia in babies?
Symptoms in babies may include:
- rapid or unusual patterns of breathing
- skin that is pale, blotchy or turning blue
- fever with cold hands and feet
- shivering
- vomiting, refusing feeds
- red or purple spots that do not fade under pressure (see the glass test)
- pain or irritability from muscle aches or severe
- limb/joint pain
- floppiness
- severe sleepiness.
What are the main symptoms of meningitis in older children, adolescents and adults?
Symptoms in older children, adolescents and adults may include:
- a stiff neck (check that they can kiss their knees or touch their forehead with their knees)
- a very bad headache
- dislike of bright lights
- vomiting
- fever
- feeling drowsy, less responsive and confused
- a rash (see the glass test).
What are the main symptoms of septicaemia in older children, adolescents and adults?
Symptoms in older children, adolescents and adults may include:
- sleepiness, less responsive, vacant or confused
- severe aches and pains in the arms, legs and joints
- very cold hands and feet
- shivering
- rapid breathing
- red or purple spots that do not fade under pressure (do the glass test)
- vomiting
- fever
- diarrhoea and stomach cramps.
What is the glass test?
Press the side of a clear drinking glass firmly against the rash so you can see if the rash fades and loses colour under pressure (see image below). If it doesn’t change colour, contact your doctor immediately. The spots and rash are more difficult to see on darker skin, so check paler areas such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and the area around the eye. Any spots or rash may fade at first, so to be sure – keep checking.
Be aware, however, that the rash does not always appear.
