MenACWY vaccine
Given the news about the recent outbreak of meningitis cases in Kent, we felt the need to discuss the vaccine – MenACWY – and how it helps protect against life-threatening illnesses like meningitis and sepsis. It’s offered to teenagers in school, but can be given up to the age of 25 if it’s been missed.
What the MenACWY vaccine is for?
Meningitis, sepsis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) are very serious, potentially life-threatening illnesses that can lead to life-changing disabilities, such as amputations, hearing loss and brain damage.
Anyone can get meningitis but it’s most common in babies, children, teenagers and young adults.
Babies are given the MenB vaccine to help protect against a common type of bacteria that causes meningitis.
The MenACWY vaccine is given to teenagers and helps protect against 4 other types of bacteria linked to meningitis.
Although the vaccine is very effective, it does not prevent all types of meningitis, so it’s still important to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis even if you’ve been vaccinated.
Anyone can get meningitis but it’s most common in babies, children, teenagers and young adults.
Babies are given the MenB vaccine to help protect against a common type of bacteria that causes meningitis.
The MenACWY vaccine is given to teenagers and helps protect against 4 other types of bacteria linked to meningitis.
Although the vaccine is very effective, it does not prevent all types of meningitis, so it’s still important to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis even if you’ve been vaccinated.
Who should have the MenACWY vaccine?
The MenACWY vaccine is recommended for all teenagers. It’s usually given to children when they’re 13 or 14 years old (school year 9).
If you missed having the vaccine when you were at school, you can get it up to the age of 25 years.
It’s also available for some people who are at increased risk of getting meningitis because of:
•a medical condition
•work
•travel
•close contact with someone who’s infected
Students
Meningitis can spread very quickly in places like universities and colleges. Make sure all your vaccinations are up to date before starting university or college, including the MenACWY vaccine and both doses of the MMR vaccine.
The NHS has a webpage dedicated to the vaccine, who can get it and how. For more information visit:
https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/menacwy-vaccine/