Vaccines offer the best protection against common types of bacterial meningitis.

Vaccines can prevent meningitis caused by:

  • Meningococcus
  • Pneumococcus
  • Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)

Bacterial and viral meningitis can spread from person to person. If you live with someone who has either type of meningitis, you should:

  • Talk to your doctor or nurse about taking antibiotics (in case of bacterial meningitis)
  • Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
  • Avoid close contact and sharing cups, utensils or toothbrushes.
Antibiotics For Prevention (Chemoprophylaxis)

Antibiotics for close contacts of those with meningococcal disease, when given promptly, decreases the risk of transmission. Outside the African meningitis belt, chemoprophylaxis is recommended for close contacts within the household. Within the meningitis belt, chemoprophylaxis for close contacts is recommended in non-epidemic situations.

Identifying mothers whose babies are at risk of getting Group B streptococcal disease is recommended in many countries. Mothers at risk are offered intravenous antibiotics during labour to prevent their babies developing Group B streptococcal infection.

Antibiotics For Prevention
Vaccination

Licensed vaccines against meningococcal, pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae disease have been available for many years. These bacteria have several different strains (known as serotypes or serogroups) and vaccines are designed to protect against the most harmful strains. No universal vaccine exists.

In the African meningitis belt, meningococcus serogroup A accounted for 80–85% of meningitis epidemics before the introduction of a meningococcal A conjugate vaccine through mass preventive campaigns (since 2010) and into routine immunization programmes (since 2016). Since 2017, there are no reported cases of meningitis due to Meningococcal serotype A. Continuing introduction into routine immunization programmes and maintaining high coverage is critical to avoid the resurgence of epidemics.