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Meningitis - National Immunisation Programme

Information
Rules
Rates
How to apply
Health Board Contact Telephone

Information
In 2000, the Department of Health launched a national immunisation programme on a phased basis for everyone in Ireland (up to and including the age of 22 years) to protect against meningococcal Group C infection. This infection is commonly known as Group C meningitis and septicaemia. Group C meningitis and septicaemia cause about one-third of the total cases of bacterial meningitis in Ireland. The new vaccine provides long-term protection again Group C meningitis and septicaemia but not against Group B meningitis and septicaemia. Immunisation is provided free of charge. Click here for the Meningitis web site

The immunisation programme began by targeting those most at risk from this infection; babies and children up to and including 4-year-olds and young people (between 15 and 18 years, inclusive). Phase 3 of the national immunisation programme is now being implemented, targeting children aged 7-14 years in school and young adults 19-22 years, inclusive.

Rules
Children 0-4 years
Parents of children attending their GP/family doctor for immunisation at 2, 4, 6 and 15 months will be offered the meningitis C vaccine. Parents of all other children, (0-4 years, inclusive) will receive an invitation to make an appointment to attend their GP/family doctor.

Children 5-18 years
If you have a child in full-time education (primary or secondary school) in Ireland, the vaccine will be made available in school.

If your son or daughter is not in full-time education, please contact your GP/family doctor or health board

Young people 19-22 years
If your child is in full-time education, the vaccine will be made available in his or her college or institute of education.

If your child is not in full-time education, the vaccination is available free from your local GP or family doctor.

Rates
Immunisation is provided free of charge

How to apply
Contact your local GP or family doctor if you have any concerns regarding meningitis C and septicaemia. Further information is available from your local health board as follows:

Health Board Contact Telephone

Eastern Regional Health Authority 1800 77 77 37

Northern Area Health Board 1800 77 77 37

North Eastern Health Board 1800 77 55 44

North Western Health Board 1800 28 23 82

Midland Health Board 1800 72 72 82

Mid Western Health Board 1800 22 50 25

Southern Health Board 1800 74 27 46

South Eastern Health Board 1800 49 49 50

South Western Area Health Board 1800 77 77 37

Western Health Board 1800 62 22 11