Meningitis is a global risk, with higher prevalence in the 'meningitis belt' of sub-Saharan Africa, spanning 26 countries from Senegal to Ethiopia. Meningococcal meningitis spreads via respiratory droplets, with increased risk from close contact, crowded living conditions, and travel to affected regions (NHS Inform, 2022).
Transmission and Risk Factors
Importance of the Vaccine
The MenACWY vaccine protects against four strains (A, C, W, and Y) of the bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis. It’s especially important for travellers to endemic regions and young adults in shared living environments, like university students. Widespread vaccination has significantly reduced cases in high-uptake populations (NHS, 2022).
Who Should Get the Vaccine
Travellers to Endemic Areas
Anyone travelling to regions with higher rates of meningococcal disease—such as parts of Africa and the Middle East, especially during the dry season—should get vaccinated (NHS, 2022).
High-Risk Individuals
Vaccination is also recommended for those at increased risk, including new university students, people with weakened immune systems, and lab workers handling Neisseria meningitidis.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms typically appear 10 to 15 days after exposure and can range from mild to severe. Mild cases may involve nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and sometimes fever. Severe cases can include seizures, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), coma, or even death. If left untreated, symptoms may recur in cycles over several months. Prompt medical attention is essential for improving outcomes (NHS Inform, 2022).
Babies and children are especially at risk. Watch for signs like refusing feeds, irregular crying, irritability, listlessness, jerky movements, stiffness or floppiness, and rapid breathing.
The Vaccination
• Course: single injection.
• When to get vaccinated: It is advised to get vaccinated a full 2 weeks before travelling. No booster is required but if required for a certificate, you can have one after five years.
• Side effects: Side effects are rarely severe. They might include redness at the injection site, mild fever, headache & nausea.
• Children: The vaccine is suitable for children over the age of two months, however, we only vaccinate children aged 12 years and older.