What are the main symptoms of meningitis?

In adults and older children vomiting, high temperature, severe headaches, neck stiffness, a dislike for bright lights, drowsiness, other joint pains and fits may be present. In babies and infants watch for fever with hands and feet feeling cold, vomiting, refusing feeds, high pitched crying, a dislike of handling, neck retraction and a staring expression.

There is a vaccine that protects against four strains of N. meningitides. How effective is the vaccine?

The meningococcal vaccine has been shown to provide protection against the most common strains of the disease, including serogroups A, C, Y and W-135.  The vaccine is 85 to 100 percent effective in serogroups A and C in older children and adults.  Development of immunity after vaccination requires 7 to 10 days.

Is the  meningococcal vaccine safe and are there any adverse side effects to the vaccine?

The vaccine is very safe and adverse reactions are mild and infrequent, consisting primarily of redness and pain at the site of injection lasting up to two days.

What is the duration of protection of the meningococcal vaccine?

The duration of the meningococcal vaccine's efficacy is approximately three to five years.  As with any vaccine, vaccination against meningitis may not protect 100 percent of all susceptible individuals.