What we do
The charity has thousands of friends and supporters throughout the country, many of whom have experienced the devastation meningitis can cause. Together we strive towards a better understanding of the disease and to find a vaccine to prevent the heartache and suffering it can cause.
Research Programme
Meningitis UK's mission is to fund research to find a vaccine to eradicate all forms of meningitis. We feel that prevention is the only way to successfully eradicate the disease and guard against its life-altering consequences. Meningitis affects thousands of people in the UK every year and devastates families and whole communities, so developing a vaccine will make a huge practical difference to countless lives.
The charity funds research in Institutions and Universities across the UK. Funded projects range from studies of specific immunity-boosting proteins, to understanding the mutation of certain strains of meningococcal bacteria against existing vaccines.
Through dogged persistent research and with the support of the general public, we are confident that new vaccines can be developed.
Read more about our research programme and current portfolio of projects
Make a donation to help us find a meningitis vaccine
Awareness Programme
In the absence of a vaccine to protect against all forms of the disease, we also distribute a wide range of material to the general public and key target groups to raise awareness of the common symptoms and need to act quickly, as prompt treatment can literally mean the difference between life and death.
All of our awareness materials highlight the common symptoms of the diseases, explain how to carry out the ‘Tumbler Test' and urge families to follow their instincts and seek medical help immediately if they suspect something is wrong.
Chief Executive of Meningitis UK, Steve Dayman, who lost his son Spencer to meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia, says "Meningitis is a terrifying condition which can kill in hours and sadly we have families who support the charity who can confirm this. When minutes count, knowing the symptoms or having them somewhere close to hand can save valuable time and give people the confidence to seek medical help quickly".
We also ensure that all of our research teams disseminate the findings and all useful knowledge acquired as a result of their research, to the public and everyone working in the field of meningitis prevention.
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774