The Meningococcal Conjugate (MenC) vaccine, is a primary vaccine, which means a first immunisation given to babies.

The vaccine protects against meningococcal group C, a particular type of bacteria that causes meningitis and septicaemia.

The vaccine will not protect against meningitis caused by any other bacteria or virus.

Children are vaccinated at three and four months old, with a booster vaccination combined
with the Hib vaccine at 12 months old.

The recommended period of time between the first two vaccinations is to allow your baby’s body to build up an immunity to the disease. The third dose is to further boost your baby’s immune system.

The vaccine is given by injection into a muscle, usually in baby’s thigh or the top of his arm.

Side effects

All vaccines can have some side effects, which usually show up within 12 to 24 hours of the vaccine being given.

Some mild side effects are common and include;

• A fever of over 38°C
• Pain, redness and swelling where the injection is given
• Irritability
• Crying
• Sleepy

Rare comlications affecting less than one in a thousand children;

• Rash
• anaphylaxis (an extreme reaction affecting breathing
  which usually occurs within ten minutes of receiving the injection)

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