We are always adding to our list of available resources. If there is something you would like to see, please let us know.
In this section, we have compiled a range of downloadable materials to help educate and inform New Zealanders about meningitis and the diseases which cause meningitis - pneumococcal disease and meningococcal disease. We have included information about vaccines as well as a range of resources for people living with meningitis.
We have drawn on local knowledge and expertise, as well as international resources. We are sincerely grateful to Meningitis Now for their agreement to reproduce some of their materials and adapt them for New Zealanders.
Meningitis Symptoms resources
Meningitis foundation symptom card
A quick reference guide to the symptoms of meningitis in infants, and children/adults. Phone numbers for emergency help.
Meningitis - Key Facts
Developed for 2020 World Meningitis Day, these facts were shared on our social media platforms to help educate people about meningitis.
Disease information
Pneumococcal Meningitis Fact Sheet
Information about pneumococcal meningitis and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Viral Meningitis Fact Sheet
Information about viral meningitis and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Meningococcal Disease - a story by numbers
An infographic providing global statistics and information about meningococcal disease. Prepared by Novartis in 2012.
Vaccine information
Bexsero Leaflet
A parent’s guide to understanding meningococcal B disease and the available vaccine. Prepared by GSK in 2018 and updated December 2020.
2013 Immunisation Health Report
A snapshot into immunisation in NZ - what New Zealanders think, and the role of immunisation in our community and healthcare system. Prepared by Pfizer and The Meningitis Foundation in 2013.
Living with meningitis
After Meningitis
After receiving expert care in hospital, you can understandably feel anxious about returning home. This leaflet provides general information about what to expect when leaving hospital or recovering at home.
After effects of meningitis
Amputation - Including Loss of Finger, Toes and Limbs
This fact sheet describes why amputation of fingers, toes or limbs may be necessary in very severe cases of meningococcal septicaemia. It also describes what to expect during the initial recovery and rehabilitation period.
Bone Growth Problems After Septicaemia
This fact sheet describes how bones might be damaged when a child is ill with meningococcal septicaemia. It also describes how bone growth problems can be identified and then treated as children grow.
Emotional and Behavioural Effects of Acquired Brain Injury
Meningitis and septicaemia can be a cause of acquired brain injury (ABI). Emotional and behavioural changes as a result of ABI may be short- or long-term and impact on ability to settle back into work, school and social life.
Hearing Loss and Tinnitus After Meningitis
Meningitis is one of the leading causes of acquired deafness and approximately 8% of survivors will experience some degree of permanent hearing loss. This information aims to help you understand the care and treatment that should be provided to those with hearing loss after meningitis.
Kidney Damage During and After Septicaemia
This fact sheet explains how damage to the kidneys can occur in severe cases of septicaemia and how this might affect recovery.
Learning and Cognitive Effects of Acquired Brain Injury
This fact sheet includes information about problems with thinking, learning and making decisions as a result of ABI after meningitis and septicaemia.
Physical Effects of Acquired Brain Injury
This fact sheet includes information about the physical effects of ABI including movement and co-ordination problems, headaches, fatigue, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, incontinence, and appetite or weight changes.
Problems With Balance After Meningitis
Meningitis can affect the inner ear causing balance and co-ordination problems as well as deafness and tinnitus. This fact sheet should be read in conjunction with ‘Hearing Loss and Tinnitus After Meningitis’.
Sensory Effects of Acquired Brain Injury
ABI can disrupt any part of the sensory system that transmits and processes sensory information: hearing, sight, smell, taste and touch. It is relatively common to have some sensory disturbance after ABI. Some problems are temporary, whilst others will be permanent.
Skin Scarring After Septicaemia
The bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause septicaemia, or blood poisoning. Very bad cases of septicaemia can leave skin scars and deeper damage to muscle and bone. This fact sheet explains how this happens and what can be done to help.
Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties After Acquired Brain Injury
This fact sheet explains how speech, language and communication problems arise after brain injury and what can be done to help. Communication difficulties may be temporary problems that get better quickly or they may be signs of ABI.
Structure and Function of the Brain
The brain is divided into different areas (lobes) and each lobe is responsible for different activities or functions. Meningitis or septicaemia can result in damage to one or more areas of the brain, and the after-effects experienced will vary depending on the area affected.
