Ireland has seen a 35% increase in invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) cases in the first nine weeks of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Provisional data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) indicates 23 cases so far this year, up from 17 in 2024 and 11 in 2023. This rising trend underscores the need for healthcare professionals to remain vigilant in promoting meningococcal vaccines, particularly to parents of infants and adolescents.
Meningococcal disease progresses rapidly and can lead to severe outcomes, including meningitis and septicaemia. It is crucial to maintain high uptake of the Men B and C vaccines for babies and the MenACWY vaccine, which is offered to first-year secondary school students as part of the HSE Schools Immunisation Programme. Given the post-pandemic resurgence in IMD cases, increasing vaccine coverage is a public health priority.
Healthcare professionals play a critical role in recommending and administering vaccines. Ensuring that parents and guardians are well-informed about the importance of meningococcal vaccination is essential to improving uptake rates.
Clinicians should remain vigilant for IMD cases and ensure early recognition and treatment as well as reporting suspected cases to regional public health departments. Further information can be found on the HPSC website here: Invasive Meningococcal Disease – Health Protection Surveillance Centre
The National Immunisation Office (NIO) is currently leading a targeted social media campaign, reinforcing the importance of meningococcal vaccination.
You can find the campaign here:
@HSElive
@irishhealthservice
@hselive
For further guidance on vaccination schedules and resources, visit www.immunisation.ie