When is meningococcal vaccination recommended for meningococcal disease?

Vaccination helps the immune system recognise meningococcal bacteria. Advice can differ for routine schedules, people with conditions that increase susceptibility, laboratory workers, travellers to areas where specific strains circulate, and people affected by public-health campaigns. The vaccine does not treat meningococcal disease that has already started.

Ask a clinician or vaccination service to check your age-based schedule, medical history, previous doses, destination, and the timing of any planned travel. If you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with meningococcal disease, contact a healthcare service promptly; preventive antibiotics may also be considered for close contacts.

Seek emergency care for sudden fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, marked drowsiness, vomiting, seizures, or a rapidly spreading dark or purple rash. Meningococcal illness can worsen quickly, so do not wait for vaccination advice if these symptoms are present.

Ask which meningococcal vaccine applies to you, whether another dose is due, what protection it covers, and whether a recent exposure changes the advice.