Meningitis ACWY
Meningitis is a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, often caused by bacterial or viral infections. Among the bacterial strains responsible, Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W, and Y are particularly concerning due to their ability to cause severe outbreaks and serious illness. The Meningitis ACWY vaccine offers protection against these four meningococcal serogroups, safeguarding individuals from meningococcal disease.
What You Need to Know
ONE DOSE REQUIRED | 5 YEARS | FROM £45 PER DOSE
The MenACWY vaccine is given by a single injection into the upper arm and protects against 4 strains of the meningococcal bacteria – A, C, W and Y – which cause meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia).
Available in DMB Chemist & Tower Pharmacy
Countries this vaccine is recommended for:
The Meningitis ACWY vaccine is recommended in many countries worldwide, particularly for adolescents, college students, travellers to high-risk areas, and individuals with certain medical conditions. Some of the countries where the Meningitis ACWY vaccine is commonly recommended include:
United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
European countries
South Africa
Brazil
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Singapore
These countries typically include the Meningitis ACWY vaccine as part of routine immunisation schedules for adolescents and may also recommend vaccination for other high-risk groups.
When to consider this vaccination:
ADOLESCENTS OR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Many countries recommend routine vaccination with the Meningitis ACWY vaccine for adolescents, often around 11-12 years of age, with a booster dose given during adolescence or before college entry to maintain protection.
PLAN TO TRAVEL TO HIGH-RISK AREAS
If you're travelling to regions where meningococcal disease is endemic or experiencing outbreaks, particularly in the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa or during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, vaccination is recommended to reduce your risk of infection.
CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Individuals with certain medical conditions that increase their risk of meningococcal disease, such as asplenia or complement deficiencies, may also benefit from Meningitis ACWY vaccination.
Risks of not getting vaccination:
RISK OF MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE
Without vaccination, individuals remain susceptible to meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y, which can lead to severe illness, including meningitis and septicemia (bloodstream infection), with potential long-term complications or death.
OUTBREAKS IN CLOSED SETTINGS
Adolescents and college students living in close quarters, such as dormitories or military barracks, are at higher risk of meningococcal disease outbreaks, making vaccination particularly important in these populations.
LIMITED TREATMENT OPTIONS
Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly and require prompt medical intervention. Prevention through vaccination is crucial, as treatment options for severe cases are limited, and outcomes can be devastating.
Amount of doses needed:
PRIMARY VACCINATION
Adolescents are often vaccinated with a single dose of the Meningitis ACWY vaccine around 11-12 years of age, with a booster dose recommended during adolescence or before college entry to ensure continued protection.
For individuals travelling to high-risk areas or with certain medical conditions, vaccination recommendations may vary, and additional doses or booster doses may be necessary based on individual risk factors and vaccination history.
