Do You Know About the Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine?

Meningococcal illness can cause meningitis, which is the inflammation and swelling of the cerebrum and spinal cord and contamination of the blood. In any event, when it is not dealt with, meningococcal illness can be fatal in up to 10 to 15 infected individuals out of 100.

The Meningococcal ACWY vaccine offers successful immunity against 4 strains of the meningococcal illness A, C, W and Y and is regularly offered to children aged 13 to 15  alongside the 3-in-1 teenage booster. The Meningococcal ACWY vaccine is also offered to students entering University on the NHS if they have not previously had the vaccination.

The Meningococcal ACWY vaccine can help protect you against non-B serogroups of the meningitis infection including viral meningitis, which is the most common.

What is Meningococcal Disease?
Meningococcal infection is a disease brought about by a microorganism called Neisseria meningitides. It can prompt meningitis (disease of the cerebral membrane and spinal cord) and septicaemia of the blood. Meningococcal sickness frequently happens almost instantly after contact, even among individuals who are generally healthy and fit.

Meningococcal infection can spread from individual to individual through close contact or prolonged contact, particularly among individuals among the same family who share living quarters.

What are the Symptoms of Meningitis?
The individual who has meningococcal meningitis will commonly experience symptoms such as fever, migraine and neck stiffness. While other symptoms may include:

●       Nausea

●       Vomiting

●       Photophobia

●       Altered mental state

While the symptoms and severity of the illness can vary individually, the common symptoms are still very much the same.

Meningitis Prevention & Dosage
The Meningococcal ACWY vaccine (MenACWY) is called Nimenrix and is authorised and administered by the NHS. 

Two dosages of MenACWY are regularly suggested for youths 13 to 15 years old.

Teenagers beyond 15 years of age and those bound for university remain in a higher risk group for infection because of developing new social contacts and the increased possibility of asymptomatic exposure. Some carry the meningococcal bacteria at the back of their nose and throat without knowing. 

Anyone who is eligible for the MenACWY vaccine should have it to avoid potentially fatal consequences, even if they have previously had the MenC vaccine.

The MenACWY vaccine is highly effective in preventing illness caused by the 4 meningococcal strains, including the extremely harmful MenW strain.

For further details and in-depth evaluation, contact your family doctor or our travel clinic in Epsom.