factsheet: Meningitis C

full name

meningococcal group C conjugate vaccine

protects against

Neisseria meningitis group C bacteria

how is it given ?

Meningitec is given by a doctor or a nurse. The vaccine is a 0.5ml injection which is usually given into the muscle of the thigh in infants and into the shoulder muscle for older children, adolescents and adults.

when it is given ?

The usual childhood vaccination schedule consists of three injections of Meningitec starting at 2 months of age with an interval of at least 1 month between doses.

For children over the age of 12 months who have not previously been immunised with Meningitec, a single dose (0.5ml) of the vaccine is recommended.

effectiveness

Provides protection for around 20 years.

side-effects

The most common side-effects in all ages are: redness, swelling and tenderness/pain at injection site.

Common side-effects in infants and toddlers are: fever, crying, irritability, drowsiness, impaired sleeping, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and vomiting.

If you notice other side-effects not mentioned above, inform your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Occasionally but rarely, serious allergic reactions can occur, the symptoms of which include: swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, lips, mouth or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing. Sometimes there is also a rash. If these symptoms occur – consult your doctor immediately.