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Meningitis ACWY
Meningococcal disease is a rare, but potentially devastating infection. It is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitis of which there are 6 disease-causing strains called serogroups (A, B, C, W, Y and X). Approximately 10 percent of the general population of the UK is thought to carry N. meningitis in the lining of the nose and throat. Spread between individuals occurs through coughing, sneezing, kissing, or during close contact with a carrier. Carriers do not have symptoms but can develop disease when bacteria invade the bloodstream from the nasopharynx (area at the back of the nose and throat). Invasive disease is a rare but serious outcome usually presenting as septicemia (blood poisoning) or meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain).
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meninges).
It can affect anyone but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults.
Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly.
It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (sepsis) and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:
a high temperature (fever)
being sick
a headache
a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
a stiff neck
a dislike of bright lights
drowsiness or unresponsiveness
seizures (fits)
These symptoms can appear in any order. You do not always get all the symptoms.
What Vaccines are available?
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).
Vaccine Schedules
Birth to less than 1 year (two doses)
Dose 1: Day 0
Dose 2: Month 1
Children and adults from 1 year
Single dose
Protection Duration: 10 years
How far in advance do I need to book my vaccine for my trip?
Complete the schedule 10 days before travelling.
Prevention
Individuals should seek advice about their risk of meningitis before travel. Meningococcal disease in travellers is primarily a risk for those visiting areas prone to outbreaks or an area where a known outbreak is occurring. Travellers visiting such locations who are at particular risk include:
long-stay travellers who have close contact with the local population
healthcare workers
those visiting friends and relatives
those travelling for Hajj and Umrah
those who live or travel ‘rough’ such as backpackers
individuals with no spleen or a poorly functioning spleen
individuals with certain immune deficiencies
Outbreaks are more common in the dry season as well as during religious pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia.
Need other vaccines?
Please click on the links below for travel vaccination requirements/ advice.
For vaccine recommendations and information on conditions based on destinations:https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home
For vaccine lifespan:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations/jabs/
Antimalarials (Maloff Protect): For adults you can buy these over the counter after the consultation at £2 per tablet. For children please enquire.
Need to book more than one vaccine?
Please make a booking for a single vaccine and leave a note with the booking for the other vaccines you require. We will then call you to make other bookings.
Note: We offer a 5% discount for cash payments.
Please make sure you fill in the form in the appointment confirmation which you will recieve (as a link). This will allow us to do a risk assessement before your arrive and check all your travel requirements for a swift & safe appointment.
*Note*
Any Cancellation within 48 hours prior to appointment will incur a charge of 20% of total service cost.