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Meningitis ACWY Vaccine UK

The meningitis ACWY vaccine provides defence against the meningococcal bacteria. It is crucial for those planning a trip for Hajj or Umrah. With our highly effective meningitis ACWY vaccine across the UK, you can ensure a safe and worry-free journey.

We offer a wide range of travel vaccinations in our travel clinics. Whether you need vaccinations for travel purposes or for work, we are here to help you. We offer free travel consultations so you can travel safely and confidently.

£75 per dose

Suitable for ages 1+

Cover for 5 years

Requirement for pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia

MenACWY vaccine is specifically aimed at preventing the spread of meningitis, a potentially deadly disease that can easily transmit in crowded environments, such as during religious gatherings. Saudi authorities have made it obligatory to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims.

What is Meningococcal Disease?

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by the meningococcus bacteria. It can lead to devastating conditions like meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). The consequences of these illnesses can be life-altering, resulting in amputations, hearing loss, and even brain damage. To safeguard yourself from these potential dangers, it is crucial to be proactive in your approach.

The MenACWY Vaccine

The MenACWY vaccine is a highly effective preventive measure against meningococcal diseases. It offers robust protection by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies that combat the specific strains of meningococcal bacteria. Originally recommended for individuals at a higher risk, such as those without a functioning spleen, Hajj pilgrims, and travellers to regions where meningococcal disease is prevalent, the importance of this vaccine extends to all individuals planning international travel.

The Significance of the Meningitis ACWY Vaccine

When travelling abroad, especially to areas where meningococcal infection rates are higher or during outbreaks, the risk of contracting meningococcal disease increases significantly. According to statistics, the average rate of infection for travellers stands at 0.04 per 100,000 each month of stay. However, for high-risk groups, such as tourists visiting Mecca during an outbreak, the risk escalates to 200 to 640 occurrences per 100,000 visitors per month.

It is important to note that low vaccination rates and underestimating the severity of meningococcal illness have contributed to alarming fatality rates in certain regions. For instance, the United Kingdom has recorded fatality rates as high as 4.9%. By prioritising your health and receiving the meningitis ACWY vaccine, you can significantly reduce your risk,

Duration of Protection and Certification

Once you receive the MenACWY vaccine, you can rest assured that you are protected for at least five years. However, it is important to note that some countries, including Saudi Arabia, require a valid meningitis ACWY certification before entry. Therefore, it is advisable to keep your vaccination records up to date and obtain any necessary boosters for certificate-related reasons.

Who should avoid the Meningitis Vaccine?

While the meningitis ACWY vaccine is highly recommended for most individuals planning international travel, there are certain cases where caution should be exercised. If you have previously experienced a reaction to the vaccine or any of its components, it is advisable not to receive the MenACWY immunisation. Additionally, individuals who are prone to bruising or have a bleeding disorder, such as haemophilia, or those who are pregnant or nursing should consult their doctor or pharmacist before receiving the vaccine.

Potential Side Effects

As with any vaccine, the meningitis ACWY vaccine can have side effects, but they are generally mild and transient. The most commonly reported side effects in teenagers and young adults include high fever (over 38°C), localised redness and irritation at the injection site, as well as temporary nausea, headache, and fatigue. These effects typically subside within 24 hours. Occasionally, a small lump may form at the injection site, but it tends to resolve quickly or within a few weeks.

How much do Travel Vaccinations cost?

Yellow Fever Vaccine (Includes Certificate)

£95

Hepatitis A (Booster after 6-12 months)

£50

Typhoid (Covers for 3 years)

£50

Diptheria, Tetanus & Polio (Covers for 10 years)

£50

Malaria Tablets

£25

Hepatitis B (Course of 3 vaccines – £195)

£65

Rabies (Course of 3 vaccines – £195)

£65

Japanese Encephalitis (Course of 2 vaccines – £250)

£125

Meningitis ACWY (Covers for 3-5 years)

£75

Cholera (Course of 2 vaccines)

£95

Whooping cough vaccine (Pertussis) (Pertussis combined with D/T/P)

£75

Travel Vaccines

Malaria is a life-threatening disease that occurs in tropical and subtropical regions, including Africa, Asia, and South America. If you’re planning a trip to these regions, it’s essential to take the necessary precautions to prevent malaria.

Antimalarial medication is essential for preventing malaria in high-risk areas. Consult with a travel health specialist to determine which medication is right for you. Some medications must be taken several weeks before your trip, so plan ahead.

When selecting a mosquito repellent, make sure it’s effective and safe. Choose a product that contains at least 20% DEET or an equivalent concentration of other active ingredients.

If you’re planning to travel to an area with a high risk of polio or diphtheria, it may be necessary to get vaccinated against polio, diphtheria, and tetanus. The need for a DTP booster shot depends on the date of your previous vaccination.

The polio, diphtheria, and tetanus vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against these three serious illnesses. Polio is a highly infectious disease that can cause paralysis, while diphtheria and tetanus are bacterial infections that can lead to respiratory problems and muscle stiffness. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against these illnesses, which helps to protect against them.

The hepatitis A vaccine is a preventive measure against hepatitis A, an infection that targets the liver. This disease is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). If you plan to travel to high risk areas, it is essential to assess your risk and take appropriate precautions to safeguard your health.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that is typically not acquired in the UK. This virus primarily targets the liver, resulting in various symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, jaundice, dark-colored urine, fever, diarrhea, and nausea. It’s important to note that unlike other forms of hepatitis, such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A does not lead to long-lasting liver damage or cirrhosis. However, in rare cases, Hepatitis A can progress to liver failure, which can be life-threatening, especially among older individuals.

The most effective method of preventing Hepatitis B infection is through vaccination. The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and highly effective. If you plan to travel to high risk areas, it is essential to assess your risk and take appropriate precautions to safeguard your health.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily targets the liver, leading to acute illness and potentially causing long-lasting damage. This global health challenge affects millions of individuals across nearly every continent. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 296 million cases of Hepatitis B in 2019, resulting in an alarming 820,000 deaths attributed to liver damage and liver cancer. The highest concentration of cases can be found in the WHO Western Pacific and African regions.

A typhoid vaccination is recommended if you are travelling to an area of high risk, such as the Indian subcontinent, parts of Africa, South America, and other regions with low hygiene standards. The typhoid vaccine is a crucial preventive measure that stimulates your body to produce antibodies, enhancing your immune system’s ability to fight against the typhoid bacteria.

Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection that can have severe consequences if left untreated. It spreads throughout the body, affecting multiple organs and can even lead to complications such as internal bleeding, which can be fatal. It is primarily prevalent in areas where hygiene standards are low.

The Meningitis ACWY vaccine is highly recommended for individuals traveling to regions with a high risk of meningococcal meningitis, including parts of Africa, the Middle East, and certain countries in South America. This vaccine serves as a crucial preventive measure, stimulating the production of antibodies in your body and enhancing your immune system’s ability to combat the bacteria responsible for meningococcal meningitis.

To safeguard against this disease, the Meningitis ACWY vaccine provides protection against four different serogroups of the bacteria: A, C, W, and Y. By receiving this vaccine, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of contracting the disease and potentially protect themselves from its debilitating consequences.

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection transmitted through mosquito bites that is prevalent in certain regions of Asia, including rural areas of China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. If you are planning to travel to these high-risk areas, it is strongly recommended to receive the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine as a preventive measure.

The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine stimulates the production of antibodies in the body, enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight against the JEV. By receiving this vaccine, you can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the virus and developing Japanese Encephalitis.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is primarily transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most commonly dogs, bats, raccoons, and other wild animals. If you are traveling to areas where rabies is prevalent, it is crucial to be aware of the risks and take preventive measures, including the rabies vaccine.

The rabies vaccine serves as a preventive measure to protect individuals from contracting the virus. It is administered before potential exposure or as a series of post-exposure shots, depending on the circumstances. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for individuals who may be at an increased risk of exposure, such as animal handlers, veterinarians, and individuals traveling to regions where rabies is prevalent.

Yellow fever is a viral disease caused by the yellow fever virus, primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America. If you are planning to travel to areas where yellow fever is endemic or where there is a risk of outbreaks, it is important to take precautions and consider getting the yellow fever vaccine.

The yellow fever vaccine is a highly effective preventive measure against the disease. It is a live attenuated vaccine that stimulates the body’s immune system to develop immunity to the yellow fever virus. Many countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination as an entry requirement, especially if you are arriving from or have recently visited a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. It is primarily found in parts of Europe and Asia, particularly in forested areas and regions with high tick populations. If you are planning to travel to areas where TBE is endemic or engaging in outdoor activities in these regions, it is important to be aware of the risks and consider getting vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis.

The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is a preventive measure that provides protection against the virus. It stimulates the body’s immune system to produce antibodies that help fight against the tick-borne encephalitis virus. The vaccine is typically administered as a series of doses and offers long-term immunity against the disease.

Cholera is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is primarily transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Cholera is prevalent in areas with inadequate sanitation and poor access to clean drinking water, particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. If you are traveling to these regions, it is important to take necessary precautions and consider receiving the cholera vaccine.

The cholera vaccine is an oral vaccine that provides protection against the specific strains of Vibrio cholerae responsible for the disease. It stimulates the production of antibodies in the body, enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight against the bacteria. The vaccine is typically administered in a series of doses and offers a certain level of immunity against cholera.