Meningitis is an illness caused by inflammation of the tissues around the brain. It can
be caused by viruses but the most serious forms of meningitis are bacterial. Currently,
children who participate in the childhood vaccination programme receive a vaccine to
prevent Meningitis C. Recently, a new vaccine for Meningitis B has become available
and is awaiting approval from the government to become part of the normal vaccination
schedule for newborns. Currently, the vaccine is available privately for parents who wish
their children to receive it. Please see further information below regarding the vaccine
and how to recognise the signs and symptoms of meningitis. If you would like more
information on vaccination against Meningitis B, please contact the practice.

http://patient.info/health/meningitis-leaflet
http://www.hse.ie/eng/health/child/meningitis/