Meningitis ACWY
Price per dose: £50
Number of doses required: 1
Total price: £50
What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can lead to meningitis — an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meninges). The bacteria that cause the disease are classified into five main groups: A, B, C, W, and Y.
The infection is most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults, though it can affect people of any age.
If not diagnosed and treated quickly, meningococcal disease can become life-threatening, potentially causing septicaemia (severe blood poisoning) or permanent brain and nerve damage.
The bacteria spread through close, prolonged contact with an infected person, such as through:
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Kissing
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Coughing or sneezing
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Sharing eating or drinking utensils with someone carrying the bacteria
Signs & symptoms of Meningitis ACWY
f you’re travelling to a high-risk area, it’s important to recognise the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease and meningitis, as they can develop very suddenly. These may include:
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High temperature (fever)
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Vomiting
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Severe headache
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A blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass (though this may not always appear and can be harder to spot on brown or black skin)
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Sensitivity to bright light
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Drowsiness or difficulty waking up
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Unresponsiveness
Keep in mind that not everyone will develop all these symptoms, and they can appear in any order.
Preventing Meningitis ACWY
The MenACWY vaccine helps protect against meningococcal disease and meningitis.
In the UK, the meningococcal B bacteria is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis. Because of this, babies are routinely offered the MenB vaccine at specific ages:
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One dose at 2 months old
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A second dose at 4 months old
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A booster dose at 12 months old
The MenACWY vaccine provides protection against additional strains of meningococcal disease (groups A, C, W, and Y) that are more common outside the UK.
If you’re travelling to countries where the risk is higher, it’s recommended to get the MenACWY vaccination before you go. High-risk regions include:
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Parts of Africa (the meningitis belt)
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Saudi Arabia, particularly for those attending Hajj or Umrah
You should be vaccinated 2–3 weeks before travelling, and proof of vaccination is required for entry into Saudi Arabia during these religious events. Babies under one year old will need two doses of the vaccine.
Even if you received the meningitis C vaccine as a child, you should still have the MenACWY vaccination before travelling to high-risk areas.
Treating Meningitis ACWY
If you think you or someone else may have meningitis, treat it as a medical emergency. Call 999 immediately for an ambulance or go straight to A&E.
Trust your instincts — don’t wait for all the symptoms to appear or for a rash to develop, as meningitis can worsen very quickly.
If you’re unsure whether it’s meningitis, or if you believe you’ve been in close contact with someone who has it, you can call NHS 111 for guidance.
Even if you’ve already received advice but still feel concerned, seek medical help again — it’s always better to be safe.
Meningitis ACWY Vaccination
The MenACWY vaccination is given by a single injection into the upper arm and can help protect you against the four different types of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease: A, C, W and Y.
It’s offered to teenagers as part of routine school vaccination programmes, and to university students under the age of 25 who missed the routine childhood vaccination.
Book your travel health consultation
For expert travel health advice and vaccinations, book an appointment online. It’s best to schedule your visit six to eight weeks before you travel, but even if your trip is sooner, it’s still worth seeking professional guidance.
