In 2007 there were 3000 confirmed cases of Viral Meningitis in England and Wales.   The real figure may be higher than this as Viral Meningitis' symptoms can be confused with influenza.

In 2007 there were 2000 confirmed cases of Bacterial Meningitis.   This is significantly lower than before Meningitis vaccinations were introduced.

Bacterial Meningitis is spread through the air in respiratory secretions, or by direct contact with an infected person.

Everybody can catch Bacterial Meningitis, but children in schools and students in halls or residence are at the greatest risk as they are in such close proximity with one another and the peak ages for Bacterial Meningitis are under 5 and 15-19 years old.

No.   Meningitis vaccines only protect against specific bacteria.   There is no vaccine for Meningococcal type B bacteria.

Yes, they have all been tested and the only side effects may be pain/redness at the injection site for a day or two.

The Meningococcal vaccine is 85-100% effective.

3 to 5 years.

The fatality rate in meningitis is 10%.

It can take up to 14 days to recover from Viral Meningitis, but it can take months to recover from some of the effects of Bacterial Meningitis such as hearing or sight loss.