Meningitis ACWY Vaccine
Meningococcal disease is a rare but severe bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. It can lead to life-threatening conditions such as meningitis and septicaemia. Prompt medical treatment is crucial to prevent serious complications or death.
What is Meningitis ACWY?
Meningococcal disease is a severe condition that demands urgent hospital treatment due to its potentially life altering consequences.
This disease can result in disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss, brain damage, and scarring. The condition is caused by meningococcal bacteria, which are classified into several groups, with the most common being A, B, C, W, and Y.
Certain groups, including infants, young children, teenagers, and young adults, are at the highest risk of contracting meningococcal disease. The bacteria can lead to two critical conditions: meningitis, an inflammation of the brain’s lining, and septicaemia, where the bacteria enter the bloodstream, causing blood poisoning.
Both meningitis and septicaemia are extremely serious and can be fatal, particularly if not diagnosed promptly. Additionally, these conditions can trigger sepsis, a severe and life threatening immune response to infection that can result in tissue damage, organ failure, and even death.
Symptoms of Meningitis ACWY
Meningococcal disease initially feels like severe flu, but those affected usually become seriously ill within hours. Early treatment is crucial and lifesaving, so it’s important to identify key signs and symptoms.
A non-fading rash (use the glass test), confusion or delirium, and extreme sleepiness that prevents waking are late stage symptoms and require immediate medical attention.
Common symptoms include:
Fever
Severe headache
Vomiting
Stiff neck
Sensitivity to bright lights
Rash
Confusion or delirium
Severe sleepiness
Seizures
If you observe these symptoms, seek medical help urgently.
The MenACWY vaccine is administered as a single, quick injection, typically into the upper arm. The needle used is small, and you should experience only a minor sensation. If you have any concerns or feel anxious about receiving the injection, inform the nurse or doctor beforehand.
Meningococcal disease is contracted through:
Close contact with an infected person.
Respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or kissing.
Sharing items like utensils, drinks, or toothbrushes.
Prolonged or direct exposure to someone carrying the bacteria in their throat or nose.
The glass test
Press the side of a clear drinking glass firmly against the rash so you can see if the rash fades and loses colour under pressure. If it doesn’t change colour, contact your doctor immediately.
High Risk areas for contracting meningococcal disease include:
- Crowded environments: Such as universities, military barracks, or dormitories.
- Close Contact settings: Including daycares or large gatherings.
- Public transportation: Where close proximity with others is common.
- Regions with outbreaks: Areas experiencing higher rates of meningococcal disease.
- Travel to high risk countries: Particularly those with higher incidence rates of the disease.
Next Day Appointments are Available
Unsure which type of service you require?
If you feel confused regarding which travel vaccine you require for your holiday, you can book an appointment at The Care Pharmacy Travel Clinic Leeds.
How to get vaccinated for Meningitis ACWY?
Book an appointment & pay online
Fill an online form and select a time slot to save time at your appointment.
Get Your First Dose
Get a free consultation in our clinic, discuss your course options with our healthcare experts and receive your first vaccination.
Follow-up Dose(s)
You’ll get to know about followup doses during your first appointment.
FAQs
The MenACWY vaccine provides protection against four types of meningitis and septicaemia caused by meningococcal groups A, C, W, and Y. A single dose of the vaccine is sufficient, administered as an injection in the upper arm.
The vaccine does not cover the meningococcal B strain, which can cause some cases in adolescents and young adults. The MenB vaccine, which targets this strain, is available for individuals aged 16 to 23 years and is also recommended for those over 10 years old with specific high risk conditions.
The MenACWY vaccine is administered via an injection, typically in the upper arm. Generally, one dose is sufficient for most individuals.
The CDC recommends routine MenACWY vaccination for all preteens and teens at ages 11 to 12, with a booster dose administered at 16 years old.
MenACWY stands for Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine, which protects against four serogroups (A, C, W, and Y) of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. The MenB vaccine protects against serogroup B of the same bacteria.
Certain individuals are at increased risk for meningococcal disease, including:
- Infants younger than one year old.
- Adolescents and young adults aged 16 through 23 years.
- People with specific medical conditions that impact the immune system.
The bacteria that cause meningitis are spread from person to person through respiratory or throat droplets from carriers. Close and prolonged contact, such as kissing, sneezing or coughing on someone, or living in close quarters with an infected individual, enhances the transmission of the disease.
Meningitis can be prevented by:
- Getting vaccinated if eligible.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
- Avoiding contact with others when either party is ill with a contagious disease.
Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis include:
- High temperature.
- Cold hands and feet.
- Vomiting.
- Confusion.
- Rapid breathing.
- Muscle and joint pain.
- Pale, mottled, or blotchy skin (which may be less noticeable on brown or black skin).
- Spots or rash (which may also be harder to detect on brown or black skin).
No matter your destination, the Care Pharmacy Travel Clinic in Leeds and Bradford is committed to ensuring your safety and protection throughout your journey.
Ready to Get Vaccinated?
