Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meninges) that can in some cases, lead to permanent damage like deafness or brain damage.

Meningitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or other micro-organisms. The bacteria / viruses can be spread through close contact such as:

• living in the same household 
• coughing and sneezing 
• kissing 
• sharing food and drink. 

Children under five years old and young adults are most at risk. 

Not all symptoms will show at once. If you think your child may have meningitis don’t wait, take them to the doctor immediately.  

Symptoms include:

• Fever (may also have cool hands and feet, or shivering) 
• Unsettled or crying (may be a high – pitched or moaning cry)   
• Irritable  
• Refuse to feed or drink 
• Vomiting
• Sleepy, floppy, or harder to wake 
• Dislike bright lights 
• Stiff neck 
• Headache  
• Rash - red or purple spots or bruises on the skin.

Even one spot is important. Spots can later be a sign of meningitis, although spots don’t show in all meningitis cases – so don’t wait for a rash to appear before calling a doctor.

• Call your doctor, an after-hours medical centre or PlunketLine.  
• Insist on immediate action – your child’s life may be at risk. 
• Watch your child, even if they have already been checked by a doctor and ask your doctor what symptoms to watch for. 
• Go straight back to a doctor if your child gets worse. 
• Do not leave your child alone. 
• If it is an emergency, call 111 and ask for an ambulance and describe you child's symptoms.

Vaccines can protect against meningitis, including those targeting meningococcal, pneumococcal, and hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) infections. Talk to your doctor or review the New Zealand Immunisation Schedule for more information.

Meningococcal vaccines

There are several strains of meningococcal disease – the most common in NZ are A, B, C and W. There are vaccines available in New Zealand that protect against the B strain and against the A, C, W, and Y strains.

Meningococcal B immunisation was added to the National Immunisation Schedule in 2023 and is given to all pēpi (babies) at 3 months, 5 months, and 12 months old. All children under 5 years old who have not been fully immunised can catch up for free until 31 August 2025.

For older children the vaccine can be purchased through your doctor.

For tamariki under 2 years receiving the meningococcal B vaccine (Bexsero), paracetamol is recommended before vaccination. Please discuss with your vaccinator to ensure you have the correct dose and timing.

The meningococcal ACWY vaccine protects against A, C, W, and Y strains and is available for free for certain high-risk tamariki, adolescent, and young adult groups.

Pneumococcal vaccines

Pneumococcal is one of the most common causes of meningitis. Pēpi need three doses to be fully immunised – these are recommended at 6 weeks, 5 months, and 12 months.

Hib vaccines

Hib is bacteria that can cause a number of serious illness, including meningitis. Hib used to be the most common cause of life-threatening bacterial infection in children under 5 years old. Immunisation has made it rare in New Zealand.

Pēpi need 3 doses of Hib recommended at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 5 months, with a booster dose at 15 months.

Ask your doctor, Plunket nurse, or call PlunketLine for more information.

• PlunketLine: 0800 933 922
• HealthLine: 0800 611 116