Meningitis can be caused by a number of different infections. You and your child can get several vaccinations that offer protection against a number of infections that cause meningitis.
Your child will get most vaccinations as part of their vaccination schedule.
Contact your GP to check if you or your child's vaccinations are up-to-date.
Read more about vaccines for you and your family
Meningitis B vaccine
The meningitis B vaccine offers protection against meningococcal group B bacteria. These bacteria are a common cause of meningitis in young children.
The vaccine is recommended for babies aged 2 months. This is followed by a second dose at 4 months, and a third one at 12 months.
Meningococcal C (Men C) vaccine
The Meningococcal C vaccine offers protection against meningococcal group C bacteria. This bacterial infection can cause meningitis and septicaemia.
The number of cases of meningococcal disease due to group C bacteria has fallen dramatically since the vaccine was introduced.
If your baby was born before 1 October 2024, they will get the vaccine at 6 months. A MenC booster is given at 13 months of age at the same time as the Hib vaccine.
If your baby was born on or after 1 October 2024, they will only need 1 vaccine in early childhood, at 13 months of age.
6-in-1 vaccine
The 6-in-1 vaccine is also known as the DTaP/IPV/Hib/Hep B vaccine. It protects against:
Hib are a type of bacteria that can cause meningitis.
The Hib vaccine is part of the 6-in-1 vaccine given to babies at:
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
Babies born on or after 1 October 2024 will also get a dose of 6 in 1 vaccine at 13 months of age.
Hib booster vaccine
A dose of Hib vaccine is given at 13 months of age. This gives extra protection against Hib infection.
If your baby was born before 1 October 2024, the Hib vaccine is given at the same time as the MenC vaccine.
If your baby was born on or after 1 October 2024, the Hib vaccine is given as part of the 6 in 1 vaccine.
Pneumococcal vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine protects against serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria. This includes meningitis.
Babies receive the pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) as 3 separate injections. These are at:
- 2 months
- 6 months
- 13 months
MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Meningitis can sometimes occur as a complication of these infections.
The vaccine is usually given to babies at 12 months.
They get a second dose at age 4 to 5 years. This is usually given at school by the HSE’s school immunisation teams. Your child's GP will give the vaccine in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal.
Meningitis ACWY vaccine
The MenACWY (meningococcal ACWY) vaccine protects against 4 types of bacteria that can cause meningitis. These are meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.
Your child will be offered this vaccine in the first year of secondary school.