Why Should You Have the Meningitis ACWY Vaccine?

Meningococcal bacteria cause Septicaemia and Meningitis. A, B, C, W, and Y are the five types of meningococcal bacteria that can cause these diseases.

Meningococcal bacteria are found in about 25% of young people’s throats, but they usually do not cause any problems. The MenACWY vaccine campaign is aimed at young people of similar ages because the bacteria have a higher chance of spreading among them.

Thirteen different types of meningococcal bacteria cause meningococcal illness. MenB, MenC, MenW, and MenY are the most common causes of meningitis in the United Kingdom. Fortunately, vaccination can assist you in avoiding them.

MenA illness is uncommon in the UK, but it is common in other countries. Vaccination may also aid in disease prevention.

Despite not causing any symptoms or sickness, meningococcal bacteria may be present in the back of the nose and throat of one out of every ten people. Transmission and spreading of the disease are more likely by older teenagers. Coughing, sneezing, or kissing someone who is infected can spread the infection.

Meningococcal bacteria can cause life-threatening illnesses, including sepsis. Meningococcal infections can occur at any age but are most common in infants, young children, and teenagers.

Meningococcal disease can cause septicaemia as well as meningitis (blood poisoning). Sepsis, a potentially fatal infection reaction, can result from septicaemia or meningitis. It’s a condition that necessitates immediate medical attention.

Amputations, hearing loss, and brain damage are just a few of the tragic results of contracting some of these diseases.

Initially, the MenACWY vaccine was only necessary for people who were at a higher risk of meningococcal diseases, such as those who had their spleen removed or had a non-functioning spleen. It was also mandatory for Hajj pilgrims, and people travelling to countries where meningococcal disease is common, such as parts of Africa and Latin America.

There are also other dangerous diseases across the world that you should always try to avoid. One of them is yellow fever. Learn more about yellow fever in our previous blog post here.

Meningococcal disease is a vaccine-preventable travel-related illness. However, the risk is higher in areas where the disease is more prevalent or during outbreaks.

Meningococcal infection may occur in 0.04 cases per 100,000 visitors per month of stay. However, in high-risk groups, such as tourists visiting Mecca during an epidemic, the risk can range from 200 to 640 cases per 100,000 people per month.

In the United Kingdom, case fatality rates as high as 4.9% have been observed, with similar or higher rates in Africa. Vaccination rates remain low, and the disease’s severity is misunderstood.

Anyone who is allergic to the vaccine or its components should not receive the MenACWY vaccination.

Before receiving the vaccine, consult your pharmacist or doctor if you:

• Have a bleeding disorder, such as haemophilia, or are easily bruised
• Have got a fever
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

The MenACWY vaccine provides at least 5 years of protection. Except for certificate reasons, boosters are not necessary. Some countries, including Saudi Arabia, require a meningitis ACWY certificate for entry.

MenACWY is both safe and effective against the four different strains of meningococcal bacteria. The vaccine only protects against the sugar coating on the surface of the four types of meningococcal bacteria. It works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the sugar coatings without making the person ill.

The MenACWY vaccine, like all vaccines, has side effects, though they are usually minor and resolve quickly.

The most common side effects in teenagers and young people are redness, hardness, and itching at the injection site, a high fever (above 38°C), headache, nausea, and weariness or fatigue. These effects should only last 24 hours.

A small, insignificant lump may appear now and then, but it usually goes away within a few weeks.

Consult with us today to get your meningitis vaccine.