Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain) and septicaemia. It spreads through close contact with an infected person, particularly in crowded environments. Several distinct strains exist, and the ACWY vaccine protects against four of them.
The vaccine is strongly recommended for certain travel situations. All pilgrims attending Hajj or Umrah are required by Saudi Arabian authorities to have a current Meningitis ACWY vaccination, and a certificate is needed as part of the visa process. Travellers heading to the sub-Saharan African meningitis belt, a region stretching from Senegal to Ethiopia, face elevated risk particularly during the dry season between December and June.
A single injection provides good protection within a fortnight. For most travellers this is all that is needed. If you travel regularly to high-risk areas or are attending Hajj each year, speak to our pharmacist about the appropriate booster schedule. Call us on 0161 437 2634 if you are unsure whether you qualify.
When you need this vaccine
- Pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah (a Meningitis ACWY certificate is required for the visa)
- Travel to the sub-Saharan African meningitis belt, particularly during the dry season
- Students and travellers moving into shared or crowded living environments abroad
- Travel to Ethiopia, parts of West Africa, and other high-incidence regions
- People who have had their spleen removed or have conditions affecting immunity
Schedule
- A single intramuscular injection provides protection against meningococcal groups A, C, W, and Y.
- Protection develops around 2 weeks after vaccination.
- A booster dose may be recommended every 5 years for travellers with ongoing exposure risk.
- The conjugate vaccines (such as Menveo or Nimenrix) are preferred over older polysaccharide vaccines as they provide longer lasting protection.