Illustration representing Neisseria meningitidis bacteria

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD)

IMD is a serious condition resulting from a systemic infection with Neisseria meningitidis.1 Incidence is highest in infants and adolescents; since the implementation of meningococcal vaccination in the UK, large declines in IMD incidence have been seen in all age groups.1

Illustration representing a colony of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria

What is IMD?

IMD is a rare and unpredictable infection caused by the bacteria N. meningitidis, also known as meningococci.1

Learn more

Image representing science through display of a culture cell plate

Epidemiology of IMD

IMD can affect individuals of all ages; however, incidence is highest in infants and adolescents.1

Learn more

Image of scientists working in a laboratory

Diagnosing IMD

Suspected IMD requires immediate recognition, prompt referral to specialist care and urgent antibiotic treatment to reduce the risk of severe morbidity and mortality.2,3

Learn more

References

  1. UK Health Security Agency. The Green Book: Meningococcal, Chapter 22 (June 2025). https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/meningococcal-the-green-book-chapter-22 (accessed December 2025)
  2. UK Health Security Agency. Guidance for public health management of meningococcal disease in the UK (November 2024). https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673257250a2b4132b43d1448/UKHSA-meningo-disease-guidelines-november2024.pdf (accessed December 2025).
  3. Ciftci E et al. Current methods in the diagnosis of invasive meningococcal disease. Front Pediatr 2025;13:1511086.

Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/. Adverse events should also be reported to GlaxoSmithKline on 0800 221 441.

©2026 GSK group of companies. All rights reserved. Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

January 2026 | NP-GB-MNU-WCNT-250001 (V1.0)