Sanofi
close up detail of the teal, purple and yellow Meningitis Flag

The Meningitis Flag, co-created with Meningitis Research Foundation, the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations, Sanofi, and three para-athletes affected by the disease.

The Meningitis Flag, co-created with Meningitis Research Foundation, the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations, Sanofi, and three para-athletes affected by the disease.

Meningococcal Meningitis

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a serious and contagious bacterial infection spread through respiratory droplets or contact with saliva.1 It is unpredictable and can be devastating, with a fatality rate of 10–15%. One in five survivors may experience long-term effects, including limb loss, hearing loss, brain damage or nervous system complications. Symptoms of meningococcal disease can first appear as a flu-like illness and rapidly worsen.2

Routine vaccination during adolescence is one of the most effective ways to help prevent meningococcal meningitis infection for teens. Medical experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend two doses of the meningitis vaccine starting around age 11, when kids are at high risk for IMD.3,4

At Sanofi, we remain at the forefront of combating meningococcal disease and in providing options for meningococcal vaccination.

What are the Symptoms of Meningitis?

Infographic illustrating meningitis symptoms: an icon of a human head with a brain, alongside icons representing fever (person with thermometer), headache (person holding head in pain), and general discomfort (frowning face). Text lists common symptoms — fever, headache, stiff neck — and other potential symptoms — nausea, vomiting, photophobia (light sensitivity), and altered mental status (confusion).

Did You Know?

Meningococcal bacteria can spread to others by sharing respiratory and throat secretions.1

Although rare, meningococcal disease can be devastating, with a fatality rate of 10–15%.2

1 in 5 survivors may experience long-term effects, including limb loss, hearing loss, brain damage, or nervous system complications.2

Medical experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend 2 doses of the meningitis vaccine—one at ages 11–12 and a booster at age 16, when teens are at highest risk for meningococcal disease.3,4

Leslie’s Story

Parent advocate, Leslie Maier, recounts how, within 24 hours, IMD changed her family forever.

Teal, purple and yellow Meningitis Flag on a dark gray background.
The Meningitis Flag

Let’s Fly the Meningitis Flag

The Meningitis Flag is not just a flag. It represents an exciting new phase that builds upon the work of an ambitious global movement.

The Meningitis Flag has been inspired and co-created by 3 para-athletes affected by this devastating disease and the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF), the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO) working with Sanofi.

Learn more about the Meningitis Flag here.

References

  1. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Meningococcal Disease. Available at  https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/index.html. Accessed on April 27, 2026.
  2. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal Disease Symptoms and Complications. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/symptoms/index.html#cdc_symptoms_seek_help-complications-and-when-to-seek-help. Accessed on April 27, 2026.
  3. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal Vaccination. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/vaccines/index.html. Accessed on April 27, 2026.
  4. American Academy of Pediatrics. AAP Vaccination Schedule. Available at https://publications.aap.org/redbook/resources/15585/. Accessed on March 11, 2026.

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