Does meningococcal vaccination treat meningitis?

Vaccination trains the immune system to recognise particular meningococcal bacteria before an infection occurs. It does not clear an active infection, reverse inflammation or replace medical treatment. Meningitis can have bacterial, viral and other causes, so protection against meningococcal disease does not cover every form of meningitis.

Protection also depends on the vaccine used, the strains it covers and the person's vaccination history. A vaccinated person should still take symptoms seriously. Vaccination lowers risk for covered disease but does not make every cause of meningitis impossible.

Seek emergency medical care for fever with severe headache, neck stiffness, light sensitivity, vomiting, confusion, unusual sleepiness, a seizure or a new non-blanching rash. Do not wait for a vaccination appointment or another dose to see whether symptoms improve.

Tell the clinician about recent vaccines, known exposures, medicines, allergies and the time symptoms started. Established meningitis may require urgent hospital tests and treatment chosen for its cause; vaccination cannot be used as a substitute.

Call emergency services for difficulty waking, collapse, breathing trouble, a seizure, rapidly worsening illness or a purple or non-blanching rash. Close contacts may also need prompt professional advice if meningococcal disease is suspected.

Ask which meningococcal vaccine is appropriate, what it covers, whether your vaccination record is complete, when protection is expected, and what symptoms require emergency care despite vaccination.