Meningitis ACWY

What is Meningitis ACWY?

Meningococcal meningitis is an acute bacterial illness that can spread throughout the body. Meningitis has thirteen separate serogroups, with types B and C being the most prevalent in the UK.

The disease is spread through sneezing, coughing, and direct contact with respiratory secretions. The bacteria are found in healthy individuals' nasal passages. 25% of teenagers and 5%  to 11% of adults carry the bacteria.

Menveo and Nimenrix vaccines are available to protect travellers against multiple strains of meningococcal meningitis. Individuals should consider getting vaccinated if they are travelling to a country where meningococcal meningitis is present and will be staying for an extended period of time, or if they are involved in activities that may increase their risk of exposure to the disease, such as working in a healthcare setting and living closely with the local population.

Meningitis ACWY for Hajj and Umrah

Pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj must have a valid certificate of inoculation against the meningitis ACWY to obtain a visa. You will be provided with a certificate of vaccination administration. Make sure you have all your details as they appear on your passport and bring it to the appointment.

Main symptoms of Meningitis ACWY

The symptoms of meningitis usually 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. Get urgent medical help if you suspect meningitis. Read detailed and up-to-date information by the NHS on what you should do if you suspect meningitis in the useful links section below.