Childhood vaccine
MenACWY Vaccine
The MenACWY vaccine protects against four groups of meningococcal bacteria that cause meningitis and sepsis. It is offered to teenagers and new university students.
What it protects against
It protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). Rates of some of these groups have risen in teenagers and young adults.
Who it's for
Teenagers (around ages 13–15) and new university students up to age 25 who missed it, who are at higher risk from living in close contact such as halls of residence.
How it works
It contains parts of the sugar coating of the four bacterial groups linked to a carrier protein, prompting long-lasting protective immunity.
Safety
Safety and side effects
It is safe and well tolerated. Common effects are soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache and feeling tired, which settle quickly.
Education and reference only. This is general information, not a personal recommendation, and does not list doses — follow the current NHS schedule and your clinician's advice. Seek urgent help for signs of a serious allergic reaction after any vaccine.
Answers
MenACWY Vaccine: frequently asked questions
Why are university students offered MenACWY?
Teenagers and young adults are more likely to carry and spread meningococcal bacteria, and living in close quarters such as halls of residence raises the risk of outbreaks, so vaccination before starting university is advised.
I had the MenC vaccine as a child — do I still need MenACWY?
Yes. MenACWY protects against more groups (A, C, W and Y) than the older MenC vaccine, and immunity fades over time, so the teenage MenACWY dose is still recommended.
Related
Other childhood vaccines
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Vaccinations
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) — the Green Book
- WHO — immunization
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