Introduction

The meningococcal C conjugate (MenC) vaccine protects against infection by meningococcal group C bacteria, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia.

The MenC vaccine does not protect against meningitis caused by other bacteria or by viruses. Meningococcal group B is also common, so it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis.

Who should have it
The first MenC vaccinations are given to babies when they are three and four months old. A third dose is given at 12 months, which is combined with the Hib vaccine.

Three doses are given to make sure your child develops a good immune response to protect against the disease.

The MenC vaccine is also available to anyone under 25 who has not already received the vaccine.

About the MenC vaccine
The MenC vaccine is made using part of the coat of the bacteria. You cannot get meningitis from the vaccine.

The vaccine has been specifically made to produce high levels of antibodies to protect children against the disease. It is made in the same way as the Haemophilus influenzae type b(Hib) vaccines.

How effective is it?
This vaccine has had a major impact on the levels of MenC disease. Since the MenC vaccine was introduced in 1999, there has been a 99% decrease in the number of laboratory-confirmed cases in people under 20.

The MenC vaccine has been well accepted, with very high uptake levels.

When the MenC Vaccination is Offered

Babies
The MenC vaccine is offered to babies at three and four months of age, with a third dose at 12 months in a combined vaccine with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

Babies aged between five months and a year who have not had the vaccine need two doses at least one month apart in order to be fully protected. The vaccine is injected into the thigh.

Under-25s
Children and young people aged between 1 and 24 years who have not been vaccinated should receive a single dose of the MenC vaccine.

The vaccine is injected into the upper arm.

Who should not have it
This vaccine should not be given to anyone who has had an anaphylactic reaction (severe allergic reaction) to a previous dose of the vaccine, or to any part of the vaccine that may be present in tiny amounts, such as polysaccharide or diphtheria toxoid.

People should delay having the MenC vaccination if they are ill with a high fever. This is to avoid wrongly linking any progression of the illness with the vaccine.

Pregnant women should not have the MenC vaccination unless there is a high risk of exposure to the disease (such as an outbreak) or they have had close contact with a recent case. Similarly, it is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.

Other vaccines
The MenC vaccine can be safely given with other childhood vaccinations, including the DTaP/IPV/Hib (5-in-1 vaccine), DTaP/IPV (pre-school booster), Td/IPV (3-in-1 booster) and the MMR. However, each vaccine should be injected in a different part of the body.

Side Effects of the MenC Vaccine

The MenC vaccine has an excellent safety record.

In studies done on this vaccine, all age groups tolerated the vaccine well and the most common reactions seen were:

• swelling, redness and pain around the injection site
• fever (more common in infants and toddlers)
• vomiting
• irritability (more common in infants and toddlers)
• headaches (older children and adults)
• crying (infants)
• drowsiness (more common in infants and toddlers)

This vaccine has been given safely to children with medical conditions including asthma, eczema, congenital heart disease, epilepsy and kidney conditions.

Rare side effects
In rare cases, children can have an allergic reaction to the MenC vaccine soon after vaccination. This may be a rash or itching that affects part or all of the body.

In very rare cases, children may have an anaphylactic reaction (severe allergic reaction) within a few minutes of the vaccination. This can cause breathing difficulties and the child may collapse. The doctor or nurse giving the vaccine will know how to treat these reactions.

If you are concerned that your child has had a reaction to the MenC vaccine, talk to your doctor, nurse or health visitor.

Frequently asked Questions

Who should have the vaccination?
All babies should receive the MenC injection at three and four months of age, with a further booster dose of the Hib/MenC vaccine at 12 months.

Babies between five months and one year who haven't been vaccinated need two doses at least one month apart in order to be fully protected.

Children and young people aged 1 to 24 years who have not been vaccinated should receive a single dose of the MenC vaccine.

What should I do if I suspect that my child has meningococcal disease?
If you suspect that your child has meningococcal disease, contact your doctor. If you cannot get in touch with your doctor, or you are still worried after getting advice, trust your instincts and take your child to the accident and emergency (A&E) department of your nearest hospital. Signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia include:

• a severe headache
• fever
• vomiting
• drowsiness
• confusion
• seizures or fits
• intolerance of bright lights, known as photophobia (this is less common in young children)
• a stiff neck (also less common in young children)
• loss of consciousness

How is the vaccine given?
The vaccine is injected into a muscle, usually the thigh in infants and the upper arm in older children, adolescents and adults.

What if my child becomes unwell after receiving the MenC vaccine?
If you are concerned about the health of your child after they have been vaccinated, particularly if they become seriously unwell, consult your doctor.

Your child might be suffering from an illness that is not related to the vaccine.

Why does my child need three doses of the vaccine?
Three doses are given to make sure your child develops a good immune response to the disease. Every time another dose of the vaccine is given, the body's immune response is further boosted.

Can the MenC vaccine be given to people with weakened immune systems or HIV?
As this vaccine is not live, it can be given to people with weakened immune systems or HIV. However, these individuals may not produce a full immune response and may only have limited protection against meningococcal C (MenC) disease.

Can I take my baby swimming after their MenC vaccination?
You can take your baby swimming at any time before or after their vaccination.

Can this vaccine be given with other vaccines?
Yes, the MenC vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines.

What are the most common side effects of the vaccination?
The most common side effects are:

• swelling and redness around the injection site
• fever (more common in infants and toddlers)
• vomiting
• irritability (more common in infants and toddlers)
• headaches (older children and adults)
• crying (in infants)
• drowsiness (more common in infants and toddlers)

What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that commonly affects the lining of the brain (causing meningitis) or the blood (causing blood poisoning).

It is usually spread in droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air.