Meningococcal disease causes meningitis and blood poisoning and can kill within hours. The ACWY vaccine is advised for certain destinations and is mandatory for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
Recommended for travel to the African ‘meningitis belt’ (especially in the dry season) and for longer stays in close contact with local people. It's required for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia.
A single dose gives protection from about two weeks.
A booster is recommended after about five years for continued risk. Saudi pilgrimage rules require a certificate valid within a set period.
A single injection into the upper arm. We provide the documentation needed for pilgrimage visas.
Around five years from a single dose.
Usually mild — a sore arm, headache or tiredness.
Postpone if unwell with a fever, and tell us about any severe allergy.
Meningitis and septicaemia can progress from healthy to life-threatening within hours, and survivors can be left with lasting disability. Vaccination is the best protection.
Everything you need to know about the meningitis acwy vaccination.
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