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The single best way of preventing meningitis is a vaccine. Vaccines against viral and bacterial infections have significantly reduced the incidence of meningitis. In certain circumstances, you may require a specific vaccine. For example, if you anticipate being in close quarters with a large group of people, such as at a military base or in a dormitory, then a vaccine against meningococcus should be given. In the case of viral infections, several vaccines have significantly reduced the incidence of childhood cases of meningitis. These include vaccines against measles, mumps, and rubella, as well as Haemophilus influenza. For newborns, a common cause of meningitis is group B streptococcus. With improved testing, we’re able to identify mothers who are at high risk of passing on group B strep to their newborn infant. In that case, medication is often given at the time of birth to prevent this infection.
