Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine in London
For Hajj, Umrah and higher-risk trips
Some trips make meningococcal ACWY vaccination a practical requirement, not just a travel health extra. Hajj and Umrah travellers need proof of vaccination for Saudi Arabia, while longer stays in parts of sub-Saharan Africa can also raise the question.
Some trips make meningococcal ACWY vaccination a practical requirement, not just a travel health extra. Hajj and Umrah travellers need proof of vaccination for Saudi Arabia, while longer stays in parts of sub-Saharan Africa can also raise the question.
A serious infection spread through close contact
Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. Many people carry these bacteria in the nose or throat without feeling ill, but in rare cases they invade the bloodstream or the lining around the brain and spinal cord.
It spreads between people through respiratory droplets and throat secretions. Kissing, coughing, sneezing, sharing drinks, crowded sleeping areas and long periods of close contact all make transmission easier.
Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. Many people carry these bacteria in the nose or throat without feeling ill, but in rare cases they invade the bloodstream or the lining around the brain and spinal cord.
It spreads between people through respiratory droplets and throat secretions. Kissing, coughing, sneezing, sharing drinks, crowded sleeping areas and long periods of close contact all make transmission easier.
Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. Many people carry these bacteria in the nose or throat without feeling ill, but in rare cases they invade the bloodstream or the lining around the brain and spinal cord.
It spreads between people through respiratory droplets and throat secretions. Kissing, coughing, sneezing, sharing drinks, crowded sleeping areas and long periods of close contact all make transmission easier.
What the ACWY vaccine covers, and what it does not
The travel vaccine usually used is the meningococcal ACWY conjugate vaccine. It targets four meningococcal groups: A, C, W and Y. For most travellers aged one year and over, the schedule is a single dose. For Hajj and Umrah, the vaccine must be given at least 10 days before travel for certificate purposes.
The travel vaccine usually used is the meningococcal ACWY conjugate vaccine. It targets four meningococcal groups: A, C, W and Y. For most travellers aged one year and over, the schedule is a single dose. For Hajj and Umrah, the vaccine must be given at least 10 days before travel for certificate purposes.
The travel vaccine usually used is the meningococcal ACWY conjugate vaccine. It targets four meningococcal groups: A, C, W and Y. For most travellers aged one year and over, the schedule is a single dose. For Hajj and Umrah, the vaccine must be given at least 10 days before travel for certificate purposes.
What the ACWY vaccine covers, and what it does not
The clearest travel requirement is Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah, where proof of meningococcal ACWY vaccination is needed for visa entry. The vaccine may also be advised for longer trips to the African meningitis belt, running from Senegal across to Ethiopia.
The clearest travel requirement is Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah, where proof of meningococcal ACWY vaccination is needed for visa entry. The vaccine may also be advised for longer trips to the African meningitis belt, running from Senegal across to Ethiopia.
The clearest travel requirement is Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah, where proof of meningococcal ACWY vaccination is needed for visa entry. The vaccine may also be advised for longer trips to the African meningitis belt, running from Senegal across to Ethiopia.
Bring your dates, route and certificate deadline
A meningococcal ACWY appointment is usually quick, but the timing matters, especially if Saudi paperwork is involved. Bring your itinerary, previous vaccine records and any medical details that could affect vaccination.
A meningococcal ACWY appointment is usually quick, but the timing matters, especially if Saudi paperwork is involved. Bring your itinerary, previous vaccine records and any medical details that could affect vaccination.
A meningococcal ACWY appointment is usually quick, but the timing matters, especially if Saudi paperwork is involved. Bring your itinerary, previous vaccine records and any medical details that could affect vaccination.
FAQ
Travel Health FAQs
Find clear answers to the most common travel health and malaria prevention questions.
Find clear answers to the most common travel health and malaria prevention questions.
How soon before Hajj or Umrah should I get the meningococcal ACWY vaccine?
Saudi Arabia requires meningococcal ACWY vaccination to be given at least 10 days before arrival for Hajj or Umrah entry requirements.
Do I still need ACWY if I had a meningitis vaccine at school or university?
Can children have the meningococcal ACWY travel vaccine?
Which destinations most often need meningococcal ACWY advice?
Can I have the ACWY vaccine at the same appointment as other travel vaccines?
How soon before Hajj or Umrah should I get the meningococcal ACWY vaccine?
Saudi Arabia requires meningococcal ACWY vaccination to be given at least 10 days before arrival for Hajj or Umrah entry requirements.
Do I still need ACWY if I had a meningitis vaccine at school or university?
Can children have the meningococcal ACWY travel vaccine?
Which destinations most often need meningococcal ACWY advice?
Can I have the ACWY vaccine at the same appointment as other travel vaccines?