Meningococcal group C Disease
Page content: Meningococcal group C disease | How is meningococcal disease spread? | Meningococcal group C vaccines | Who is eligible for free vaccine? | Who should be immunised? | Possible side effects of meningococcal group C vaccine | Comparison of effects of the vaccine and the disease | Pre-immunisation checklist | Download factsheet | In your language
Meningococcal group C disease
Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria called meningococci. There are different groups of meningococci however it is mainly group B and group C that cause disease. Meningococci are common bacteria found at the back of the throat or nose mostly in young adults, and less often in adults and young children. The bacteria are usually ‘carried’ harmlessly but occasionally they can cause meningococcal disease in another person.
Meningococcal disease usually occurs in one of two forms–meningitis or septicaemia. ‘Meningitis’ means an inflammation of the protective coverings of the brain and spinal cord. ‘Septicaemia’ means blood poisoning and is a more widespread infection throughout the body. Meningococcal disease is a rare but very serious illness. The infection can develop very quickly and can be fatal in about one in 10 cases; others are affected for life.
Symptoms may include:
- fever
- pale or blotchy complexion
- vomiting
- lethargy
- rash of red purple spots or bruises
Signs and symptoms appear quickly and people may become much worse within a few hours.
How is meningococcal disease spread?
The disease is difficult to spread. The germs cannot live for more than a few seconds outside a human body, therefore they cannot be picked up from water supplies, swimming pools, buildings or factories. Only regular close prolonged household and intimate contact spread the bacteria. Close contacts in residential accommodation, university campuses and military barracks, may be at greater risk of meningoccocal disease.
People who get meningoccocal disease are more than three times as likely to be in close contact with smokers.
Meningococcal group C vaccines
Vaccines are available that can give long lasting protection against meningococcal group C disease but only against the C group. There is no vaccine for meningococcal group B disease. There is another type of meningococcal vaccine available that covers several groups including C, however it cannot be given under two years of age and only protects for one to five years. This vaccine is considered a ‘travel’ vaccine for travellers to Asia and Africa.
There are different brands of meningococcal group C vaccine available. The vaccines contain meningococcal group C ‘sugars’ joined with an inactive protein of either diphtheria or tetanus toxoid and additives aluminium phosphate or hydroxide.
Who is eligible for free vaccine?
- Children turning 12 months will receive this vaccine with their other routine immunisations due at that age
Who should be immunised?
- Transplant recipients or people with a damaged (or no) spleen
- any person who has had previous meningococcal disease (including group C disease)
Possible side effects of meningococcal group C vaccine
- Some swelling, redness and soreness at the injection site
- Low grade fever
- Crying, irritability
- A temporary small lump at the injection site
- Decreased appetite
- In adults/adolescents, headache
If mild reactions do occur, the side effects can be reduced by:
- Placing a cold wet cloth on the sore injection site
- Not overdressing
- Taking paracetamol to lower fever (note the recommended dose for the age of your child)
- Having extra fluids to drink
Extremely rare side effects:
- Severe allergic reaction
If reactions are severe or persistent, or if you are worried, contact your doctor or hospital.
Comparison of effects of the vaccine and the disease
Effects of meningococcal disease
- About one in 10 patients die
- Of those that survive, one in 30 have severe skin scarring or loss of limbs, and one in 30 have severe brain damage
Side effects of meningococcal vaccination
- Up to 30% have local reactions and headache
- Serious adverse reactions are very rare
Important information
The meningococcal group C vaccine only protects from one of the groups of meningococcal disease. There is no vaccine for meningococcal group B disease. If your child has an illness where you are concerned about meningococcal disease, please see a doctor as soon as possible.
Pre-immunisation checklist
Before you or your child are immunised, tell the doctor or nurse if any of the following apply:
Have had Mencevax® or Menomune® vaccine within the last six months
Are unwell on the day of immunisation
Have had a severe reaction to any vaccine
Are pregnant
Download factsheet
Meningococcal group C Disease : Immunisation Information (115kb, pdf)
In your language
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