Two vaccines protect against the main causes of meningitis and septicaemia.

The MenACWY vaccine offers protection against four types of bacteria that can cause meningitis – meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y – and is offered to teenagers aged 14 years old. Anyone who missed out can get it for free until their 25th birthday.

The MenB vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria and is recommended for babies aged eight weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at one year.

The vaccines do not contain any live bacteria and cannot cause meningitis.

Meningitis can sometimes occur as a complication of some other infections, meaning several other vaccinations can also help protect people.

A six-in-one vaccine given to young children – also known as the DTaP/IPV/Hib/Hep B vaccine – offers protection against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

A pneumococcal vaccine offers babies protection against serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including meningitis.

The MMRV vaccine – which replaced the MMR vaccine in January 2026 – offers infants protection against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.

The MMR vaccine is free for anyone who missed getting it when they were younger, regardless of their age.

Generally, it takes a couple of weeks to get full protection from a vaccine and some require booster doses.