Meningitis ACWY Vaccine
Teenagers and university students are to be offered a vaccination to prevent meningitis W disease.
From August 2015, all 17 – 18 year olds in school year 13 and first time university students up to the
age of 25 will be offered the Meningitis ACWY vaccine as part of the NHS vaccination programme.
The Meningitis ACWY vaccine protects against four different causes of meningitis and septicaemia meningococcal (Men) A, C,W and Y diseases.
There will also be a catch-up vaccination programme for current school year 10 students through
schools from January 2016. The Meningitis ACWY vaccine will also be added to the routine
adolescent schools programme (school years 9 or 10) from Autumn 2015, alongside the 3-in-1
teenage booster, and as a direct replacement for the Meningitis C Vaccination.
Why do teenagers and students need MeningitisW vaccination?
Cases of meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) caused by Meningitis W bacteria are rising,
due to a particularly deadly strain. Older teenagers and university students are at high risk of
infection because they tend to live in close contact in shared accommodation, such as university
halls of residence.
Meningitis ACWY vaccine is given by a single injection into the upper arm. There are two Meningitis
ACWY vaccines that will be used in the vaccination programme, these are called Nimenrix and
Menveo. They are very similar and both work equally well.
Who should not have the Meningitis ACWY vaccine?
You should not have the Meningitis ACWY vaccine if you are allergic to the vaccine or any of its
ingredients. You should also check with the doctor or nurse before having the Meningitis ACWY
vaccine if you:
■have a bleeding problem, such as haemophilia, or bruise easily
■have a high temperature
■are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you wish to receive this vaccination please make an appointment at reception.