Prevention of Meningitis
Immunization with the vaccines listed below is the most effective way to prevent meningitis:
- Haemophilus influenzae type b
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Neisseria meningitides (ages 9 months and older)
- Pneumococcal (children aged 2 and younger)
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Varicella (chickenpox)
These vaccinations may be given as a series (e.g., in two doses).
Medications such as rifampin (Rifadin®), ceftriaxone (Duricef®), and ciprofloxacin (Cipro®) may be used to prevent the development of bacterial meningitis in people exposed to the disease.
