Meningococcal bacteria are commonly carried in the nose and throat, and do not usually cause disease. Carriage rates are highest in older teenagers and young adults. The bacteria can be transferred from person to person through contact with saliva, e.g. intimate kissing. In rare cases, the bacteria can invade and rapidly lead to severe disease. T

If meningococcal bacteria pass into the blood, the disease usually progresses very quickly. A person with meningococcal disease may develop:

»Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain).

» Septicaemia (blood infection).

» Pneumonia (lung infection).

One to two people out of every 10 who survive meningococcal disease have long-term complications, e.g. extensive skin scarring, limb amputation, hearing loss, seizures, or brain injury. Even when the disease is identified and treated early, one to two people out of every 10 will die.

We can administer meningococcal vaccines to people aged 16 years and over. This vaccine has a considerable cost - please contact a Pharmacist to discuss