Meningitis ACWY Vaccine
Vaccine | Category | Age Group | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Meningitis ACWY Vaccine |
ACWY Vax Vaccine® (Polysaccharide bacterial) |
Adult | £145.00 |
Menveo | From 2 years and over | ||
Nimenrix | From 1 year and over | ||
Booster | All of the Above |
The Men ACWY vaccine is given by a single injection into the upper arm.
Boost at 5 years (or 3 years for certificate purposes)
Consider booster at 2-3 years in children under 5 years
Meningococcal meningitis outbreaks are unpredictable as they occurs in small clusters anywhere in the world. It varies from one season to another. The largest proportion is in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord and is caused by bacteria. Meningitis can affect anyone however children and young adults are most at risk. It can cause blood poisoning that can lead to permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
Meningitis is most commonly spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing, sharing of food/drink utensils, and can also be spread from close contact with an infected person.
The most common symptoms are a stiff neck, high fever, sensitivity to light, confusion, headaches and vomiting. A less common but even more severe (often fatal) form of meningococcal disease is meningococcal septicaemia, which is characterized by a haemorrhagic rash and rapid circulatory collapse.
Meningitis is can be treated using antibiotics. Prompt treatment is extremely essential as the bacteria spreads at a rapid rate. 10% of those infected lead to fatality and 50% lead to septicaemia. Unfortunately, 10% off those who survive end up with a major disability as a direct result of Meningitis.
There are a number of safe and effective vaccines that are available against the different types of bacterial strains: