A new preventive solution is now available in South Africa to help protect children from 12 months of age, as well as adolescents and adults, against four types of meningococcal bacteria that can cause serious, potentially life-threatening disease.¹
Johannesburg, 17 August 2026: Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a disease most people have heard of, but many don’t realise just how quickly it can become serious. IMD is caused by a bacteria and can lead to meningitis, which affects the lining around the brain and spinal cord, or to sepsis, a serious bloodstream infection.²
A new innovative solution is available in South Africa to help protect against four types of the meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W and Y). It can be given to children from 12 months of age, adolescents and adults.¹
“Because meningococcal meningitis can become serious so quickly, prevention and awareness are crucial. We want families to know the signs to look out for and feel comfortable speaking to their healthcare provider about the prevention options available to them,” says Diane Buron, Medical Head for Vaccines, Sanofi South Africa.
Who can be affected?
Meningococcal meningitis can affect anyone, but young children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable, although adults can develop the disease too.²
The bacteria can live in the nose and throat without making someone ill and can spread through close contact, including coughing, sneezing, kissing or contact with saliva. Most people who carry the bacteria don’t become ill, but in some cases the bacteria enters the bloodstream and causes serious disease.²
South Africa recorded 148 cases of invasive meningococcal disease in 2025. Of these, 35% were in children under five and 26% were in children and adolescents aged five to 17.³
Almost half of the cases reported during this period were caused by meningococcal bacteria types C, W and Y, three of the four types that the new solution helps protect against.³ Infections can occur at any time of year, although numbers tend to rise from winter into spring.³
What symptoms should you look for?
One of the challenges with meningococcal meningitis is that the early symptoms can look like those of other common illnesses. Symptoms can include fever, a bad headache, a stiff neck, confusion, sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting. Babies and young children may show different signs, such as being unusually sleepy or irritable, feeding less than usual, being difficult to wake or crying continuously.²
Meningococcal infection can also cause sepsis. Signs can include cold hands and feet, fast breathing and, sometimes, a rash that doesn’t fade when you press on it.²
“Meningococcal meningitis is a medical emergency. If someone is seriously ill or getting worse quickly, seek urgent medical care,” says Buron. “Don’t wait for every symptom to appear before getting help.”²
Helping prevent meningococcal disease
Vaccination is an important way to reduce the risk of meningococcal meningitis.²
A conversation worth having
As we move from winter into spring, when meningococcal disease cases tend to rise in South Africa,³ now is a good time to ask your healthcare provider about meningococcal disease and whether you or your child may need protection.
They can talk you through the options and advise you based on age, previous vaccinations and individual risk.
References
- South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). Meningococcal meningitis vaccine Professional Information. Available at: SAHPRA Professional Information. Accessed 12 August 2026.
- World Health Organization. Meningitis. 1 April 2025. Available at: WHO Meningitis fact sheet. Accessed 12 August 2026.
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases. GERMS-SA Quarterly report on laboratory-based surveillance for invasive bacterial disease caused by vaccine-preventable or epidemic-prone pathogens. Quarter 4 of 2025. Data extracted 21 April 2026. Available at: NICD GERMS-SA Quarter 4 2025 report. Accessed 12 August 2026.
About Sanofi
Sanofi is an R&D driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and creating compelling growth. We apply our deep understanding of the immune system to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world, with an innovative pipeline that could benefit millions more. Our team is guided by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives; this inspires us to drive progress and deliver positive impact for our people and the communities we serve, by addressing the most urgent healthcare, environmental, and societal challenges of our time.
Sanofi is listed on EURONEXT: SAN and NASDAQ: SNY
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