Is it overkill to ask early visitors if they have had meningitis vaccine?

[namechange7891011]

Due to give birth within the next week and the stuff in the news about meningitis spreading at a crazy rate is obviously concerning.

Is it unreasonable to ask those early visitors to confirm they’ve been vaccinated? Aka close family who want to travel to see baby within the first few weeks?

Fully prepared to be told if this is silly… it’s my first baby so I don’t really know, hence looking to hear how other mums to be are feeling about it.

Isn’t it that the men b vaccine does not prevent the bacteria being carried or spread in the community, it simply ensures an individual does not become seriously ill?
It’s not like a covid vaccine .

It’s very unlikely that you or your partner are vaccinated against this either and you are the ones who will be with the baby the most! Best just to ask people to stay away if they feel ill and follow basic guidelines like washing hands and no kissing baby on face.

Congrats on the upcoming baby!

The men b vaccine doesn’t stop the vaccinated person from spreading it, rather, it stops the vaccinated person from getting it. Something like 25% of teenagers have the bacteria living in their noses minding its own business, and you only get ill when it goes into your bloodstream.

Babies get their first Men B vaccine at their 8 week jags .

it’s spread by aerosol transmission and things like sharing vapes and water bottles . You could ask visitors to wear masks if you are feeling very anxious, and the standard “first a baby please don’t visit if you’ve got a cold, I really don’t want to get ill and I really don’t want the baby to get ill”

Not silly at all. But many adults are too old to have had any meningitis (technically meningococcal) vaccine at all. (I've never been offered one even when I wanted it). Many adults are too old to have had the MMR vaccine too, but should have received the rubella one as a single jab.

Only children born in 2015 or later will have had the meningococcal B vaccine (the one causing the Kent outbreak and deaths). You're completely right to prioritise your baby's health and be cautious against adult visitors passing on deadly infections (there have been cases over the years). Some people do delay having visitors- it's your prerogative as the mother.