Meningitis

Meningitis is a swelling (inflammation) of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. Sometimes, the swelling affects the brain. Meningitis can be caused by medications, injuries, and conditions such as cancer and lupus, but the most common cause is infection.

Vaccines protect against some—but not all—meningitis infections.

Vaccines to protect against bacterial meningitis: 

Vaccines help protect against some types of bacterial meningitis. They help prevent all but one of the most common types of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria (types A, B, C, W and Y, but not X) known to cause meningococcal disease around the world.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and pneumococcal vaccines can help prevent some other causes of bacterial meningitis. And, the measles, mumps, influenza and chickenpox (varicella) vaccines can help protect your child from less-common causes of viral meningitis.

Make sure your child receives the recommended vaccines by talking to their pediatrician.

For more information on meningitis and vaccinations:

• American Academy of Pediatrics:Meningitis in children 

• Clinic Vaccinations page

References from the American Academy of Pediatrics