How is the vaccine administered to Travellers?

The Men ACWY vaccine is given by a single injection into the upper arm.

Booster

Boost at 5 years (or 3 years for certificate purposes)
Consider booster at 2-3 years in children under 5 years

AREAS HIGHLY AFFECTED

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.

SIDE EFFECTS

• Pain
• redness
• swelling
• tenderness
• lump at the injection site
• headache
• low fever
• chills
• tiredness

WHO MUST NOT TAKE THIS VACCINATION

• If the person getting the vaccine has any severe, life-threatening allergies.

FACTS – Did You Know that?

• Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial form of meningitis, a serious infection of the thin lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
• The extended meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east (26 countries), has the highest rates of the disease.

What is Meningitis ACWY Vaccine?

Description

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.

Transmission

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.

Symptoms

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.

Treatment

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.

Prevention

There are a number of safe and effective vaccines that are available against the different types of bacterial strains:

• 1. Meningitis B vaccine which was approved in 2014
• 2. Meningitis C vaccine which is already been given as part of the childhood immunisation programme
• 3. Meningitis ACWY vaccine which is mainly required for travellers, but since 2015, has been given to 14 years old as part of their childhood programme as a result of the outbreaks in colleges and universities