Advice for parents: vaccinations and meningitis awareness
Friday, 20 March 2026
As cases of meningitis continue to be reported in the news, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside is asking parents and carers to make sure their child’s vaccinations are up to date.
Recent cases in Kent involve the MenB type of meningitis. The risk of infection to the wider population remains low but it’s important to know the signs and symptoms, which can develop suddenly and include:
- a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass
- sudden onset of high fever
- severe and worsening headache
- stiff neck
- vomiting and diarrhoea
- joint and muscle pain
- dislike of bright lights
- very cold hands and feet
- seizures
- confusion/delirium
- extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking
A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis.
In the UK, babies and young children are offered vaccines to help protect them from meningitis. The MenB vaccine was introduced in 2015 and is given to babies under the age of two.
Teenagers are offered a different vaccine called MenACWY. This is given in Year 9 at school (age 13 to 14). It protects against four other types of meningitis (A, C, W and Y). This programme was also introduced in 2015.
The full UK vaccination schedule is available on the NHS.uk website.
Please check your child’s red book or contact your GP if you are not sure if they have had all their vaccines. You can also check on the NHS App if you are registered.
If you think your child has missed any vaccinations, please contact their GP practice. If your child is no longer at school, they remain eligible for a free vaccine from their GP until 25 years of age.
If they are still at school, you can contact their School Aged Immunisation Service.
IntraHealth - Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Warrington and Wirral
Telephone: 03333 583 397 (select option 7)
Email: Imms.W-Chester-CW@intrahealth.co.uk
Mersey Care – Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and St Helens
Liverpool School Team:
Telephone: 0151 295 3833
Email: mcn-tr.vacandimms.team@nhs.net
Halton, Knowsley and St Helens School Team
Telephone: 0151 351 8805
Email: mcn-tr.schoolimmunisations@nhs.net
Sefton School Team
Telephone: 0151 247 6130
If you become worried about yourself, your child, or a friend, particularly if symptoms are getting worse, seek medical help urgently. Early treatment can be life-saving. Use NHS 111 or call 999 in an emergency.
For further information, visit the NHS website.