Protecting Our Children on World Meningitis Day

As parents, we worry about the safety of our children 24/7, and it’s heartbreaking to think that meningitis, a silent but dangerous threat, is always lurking around. This deadly disease doesn’t discriminate, striking anytime, anywhere, impacting families globally.

Alarmingly, our little ones under the age of 5 are at the highest risk, accounting for half of all tragic deaths caused by meningitis. As parents, these statistics aren’t just numbers; they’re a call to action. We all dream of a world where our children can grow and thrive without the shadow of meningitis hanging over them.

Why Should Parents Care About World Meningitis Day?

World Meningitis Day on October 5th isn’t just another day on the calendar. For families and communities worldwide, it's a beacon of hope and a call for action. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of a disease that is swift and ruthless, often mistaken for flu or even COVID, leaving devastation in its wake.

Meningitis doesn’t just take lives; it also leaves survivors with lifelong disabilities. The struggle isn’t over even if your child miraculously survives it, as the disease often leaves scars both seen and unseen.

On World Meningitis Day, parents like us unite with a shared vision - a future free of meningitis. By supporting scientific research, advocating for early diagnosis, and championing preventive measures, we're not just protecting our children but also paving the way for a safer world for all kids.


Here’s the parent-to-parent lowdown: your best defense against this scary illness is vaccination.

Now, let’s talk vaccinations! There are different shots for different strains of the disease (A, B, C, W, and Y). The good news? Babies as young as 6 weeks can start their vaccination journey with both the meningococcal B and ACWY vaccines.

Vaccination with meningococcal B and meningococcal ACWY vaccines can be done from 6 weeks of age.

Anyone who wants to protect themselves against meningococcal disease should talk to their doctor about getting vaccinated. Meningococcal immunisation is recommended for:

  • babies, children, teenagers and young adults

  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people

  • young adults who live in close quarters or who are current smokers

  • travellers

  • people who have certain medical conditions that increase their risk meningococcal disease

  • laboratory workers who work with the bacterium that causes meningococcal disease

 
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