In most developed countries, the routine childhood immunisation schedule recommends a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), a suitable meningococcal vaccine, and a Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine.[25]
Local vaccination guidelines may vary and should be consulted, for example:
Isolate all patients with suspected meningitis until meningococcal meningitis is excluded (or considered unlikely) or empirical antibiotics have been given for 24 hours.[16][51] Always follow your local protocols, which may vary in practice.
Take droplet precautions, including wearing a surgical mask, if likely to be in close contact with respiratory secretions or droplets, until the patient has had 24 hours of antibiotics.[51][52] Suspected meningitis is one of the most common occupational exposures for healthcare workers but healthcare-associated infection is extremely rare.
Urgently notify the relevant public health authority and microbiology if you have a patient with suspected meningitis (regardless of the aetiology).[2]
In the UK, the doctor who suspects a diagnosis of meningitis has a legal duty to notify the case to the local health protection team or the on-call Public Health Specialist. This is usually done by the hospital doctor, but general practitioners may wish to check that it has been done.[53] National Archives (UK): The Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010 Opens in new window
For information on further secondary prevention that is specific to meningococcal disease (including the management of contacts), see Meningococcal disease.
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