The MenC vaccine can be offered to babies and young people aged under 25.
Babies
The MenC vaccine is offered to babies at three and four months of age, with a third dose at 12 months in a combined vaccine with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
Babies aged between five months and a year who have not had the vaccine need two doses at least one month apart in order to be fully protected.
The vaccine is injected into the thigh.
Under-25s
Children and young people aged between 1 and 24 years who have not been vaccinated should receive a single dose of the MenC vaccine.
The vaccine is injected into the upper arm.
Who should not have it
This vaccine should not be given to anyone who has had an anaphylactic reaction (severe allergic reaction) to a previous dose of the vaccine, or to any part of the vaccine that may be present in tiny amounts, such as polysaccharide or diphtheria toxoid.
People should delay having the MenC vaccination if they are ill with a high fever. This is to avoid wrongly linking any progression of the illness with the vaccine.
Pregnant women should not have the MenC vaccination unless there is a high risk of exposure to the disease (such as an outbreak) or they have had close contact with a recent case. Similarly, it is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.
Other vaccines
The MenC vaccine can be safely given with other childhood vaccinations, including the DTaP/IPV/Hib (5-in-1 vaccine), DTaP/IPV (pre-school booster), Td/IPV (3-in-1 booster) and the MMR. However, each vaccine should be injected in a different part of the body.
