More Information About The Vaccine
MenACWY is a conjugate vaccine . Sugars are taken from the capsule around the meningococcal bacteria and joined to a non-toxic protein from diphtheria or from tetanus. The protein helps to stimulate the immune system in a broader way to respond well to the vaccine. This gives a better immune response in individuals of all ages.
The MenACWY vaccine is also recommended for travellers to parts of the world which are high risk for meningococcal disease . All visitors to the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages in Saudi Arabia need proof that they have been vaccinated against type A, C, W and Y meningococcal disease. Travel vaccines are not provided free of charge.
There have been a number of changes to the schedule for meningococcal vaccines in the last few years. A teenage MenC booster was introduced in 2013, and a booster for student freshers in 2014. Both of these were replaced by the MenACWY vaccine in 2015.
These changes have been made because of a recent increase in cases of MenW disease in the UK. Overall, the number of cases of meningococcal disease has been falling in the UK since the MenC vaccine was introduced in 1999, but disease caused by MenW has increased. Cases in England increased from 30 cases in 2011-12 to 225 cases in 2016-17 . There was a slight fall in cases in 2017-18 . See more information from Public Health England
Simultaneous Administration With Other Vaccines
Men-C-C and 4CMenB vaccine may be administered concomitantly with routine childhood vaccines, and Men-C-ACYW vaccine may be administered concomitantly with adolescent and adult age appropriate vaccines. MenB-fHBP can be given concomitantly with quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine meningococcal serogroup A, C, Y, W conjugate vaccine and tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine adsorbed. The concomitant administration of MenB-fHBP has not been studied with other vaccines.
Men-C-ACYW-CRM can be administered with routine paediatric vaccines however, further studies are needed with regard to concomitant administration with pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine. Co-administration of Men-C-ACYW-CRM and combined tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine may result in a lower immune response to the pertussis antigens than when Tdap vaccine is given alone however, the clinical significance of this is unknown. Tdap vaccine given one month after Men-C-ACYW-CRM induces the strongest immunologic response to pertussis antigens.
If vaccines are to be administered concomitantly with another vaccine, a separate injection site and a different syringe must be used for each injection.
Refer to Timing of Vaccine Administration in Part 1 for additional general information.
Types And Composition Of Meningococcal Vaccines
Of the 5 meningococcal vaccines available in the United States: 3 are conjugate vaccines and 2 are recombinant protein vaccines. Meningococcal vaccines also vary by the number of serogroups they provide protection against. Both recombinant protein vaccines are monovalent vaccines. This means the Food and Drug Administration licensed them to provide protection against 1 serogroup . In contrast, the conjugate vaccines provide protection against 4 serogroups , making them quadrivalent vaccines.
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Muslims Undergoing The Hajj Or Umrah Pilgrimage
Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia are especially at risk of contracting meningococcal infection. There have been outbreaks in recent years. A proof of immunisation is needed to obtain a visa to go to Saudi Arabia for this purpose.
Note: some pilgrims may have been immunised in the past with an older vaccine which only protected against groups A and C. If you travel to Saudi Arabia again you should have an injection of the newer MenACWY vaccine. Proof of immunisation with MenACWY vaccine given within the preceding three years is now needed to get a new visa to visit Saudi Arabia.
Preteens And Teens Are At Increased Risk For Meningococcal Disease An Uncommon But Serious Illness
Meningococcal disease can be devastating and oftenand unexpectedlystrikes otherwise healthy people. Although meningococcal disease is uncommon, teens and young adults 16 through 23 years old are at increased risk. Meningococcal bacteria can cause severe, even deadly, infections like
- Bacteremia or septicemia
About 1 in 5 people who survive their meningococcal infection have permanent disabilities.
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Who Should Not Be Immunised
- There are very few people who cannot be given meningococcal vaccines.
- Immunisation should be postponed if a child has a high temperature or serious infection. Minor infections such as coughs, colds and snuffles are no reason to postpone immunisation.
- The vaccine should not be given if there has been a severe reaction to a previous dose of vaccine . Also, it should not be given if a person is known to have a severe allergy to any of the ingredients in the vaccine.
- The vaccines are safe if you are breastfeeding.
Menacwy Vaccine Side Effects
Like all vaccines, the MenACWY vaccine can cause side effects, but they are generally mild and soon pass.
The most common side effects seen in teenagers and young people are redness, hardening and itching at the injection site, a high temperature , headache, feeling sick and tiredness . These symptoms should last no longer than 24 hours.
Sometimes a small, painless lump develops, but this usually disappears after a few weeks.
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Most Health Insurance Plans Pay For Menb Vaccination For Teens And Young Adults
Most health plans must cover CDC-recommended vaccines with no out-of-pocket costs if an in-network healthcare provider administers the vaccine. Check with your insurance provider for details on whether there is any cost to you for this vaccine.
The Vaccines for Children, or VFC, program provides vaccines for children 18 years old and younger who are
- Not insured
- American Indian or Alaska Native
Parents can find a VFC provider by contacting their local health department. VFC will cover the cost of MenB vaccination for those
- 16 through 18 years old
- 10 through 18 years old at increased risk due to a medical condition
- 10 through 18 years old identified as being at increased risk due to a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak
Problems That Could Happen After Getting Any Injected Vaccine
- People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes can help prevent fainting, and injuries caused by a fall. Tell the provider if you or your child feel dizzy, have vision changes, or have ringing in the ears.
- As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.
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Why Is Men W So Worrying
In England, most meningococcal infections are caused by group B . Men C, Men W and Men Y are usually responsible for only 10-20% of cases.
Although the total number of meningococcal cases in England has been falling since the early 2000s, Men W infections have increased from only 22 cases in 2009 to 117 in 2014. Currently Men W alone accounts for almost a quarter of all meningococcal infections in England.
Between 2009 and 2012, an average of four people died of meningitis W each year. Most of the people who died were elderly. But during 2013 and 2014 there were 24 deaths from Men W disease including, for the first time in over a decade, babies and toddlers.
Read more about meningitis and .
Can I Get The Vaccine Privately
Yes. A variety of pharmacies, travel clinics and private GP practices offer this vaccine for travel purposes and may be able to provide this vaccine for general protection.
Prices will vary, so you may wish to contact more than one provider before making your choice. Expect to pay between £40 70 privately for this vaccine.
Contact our Helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or email
*Most Scottish students will have already been offered the MenACWY. If you live outside Scotland but are attending a university in Scotland, ensure you get the MenACWY vaccine before you go.
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What Are The Risks From Meningococcal Vaccines
- Redness or soreness where the shot is given can happen after meningococcal ACWY vaccination
- A small percentage of people who receive meningococcal ACWY vaccine experience muscle pain, headache, or tiredness.
People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.
As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.
What If Im A University Fresher
Due to the success of the MenACWY programme offered to all 14-18 year olds in Scotland during 2015/16, the majority of Scottish entrants to university will have already been immunised and therefore there isn’t a need for a specific freshers programme this year in Scotland.
Scottish university entrants starting university this Autumn and who missed the opportunity to get the vaccine last year should contact their GP practice, who’ll advise them if its clinically appropriate for their particular circumstances.
Unvaccinated students coming from other parts of the UK to study in Scotland should make sure they get the vaccine before they travel to Scotland as theres no guarantee the MenACWY vaccine will be available at Scottish university health centres and GP practices.
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Why Do I Need To Get The Vaccine
You’ve a higher risk of getting meningococcal disease because of your age. You need to get immunised to protect yourself as well as to protect others around you.
You may have previously had a MenC vaccine to protect you against meningococcal C infection, but this won’t protect you against MenW. Having the MenACWY vaccine after getting the MenC vaccine won’t only give you better protection against MenC infection, but will also protect you against the other 3 meningococcal groups .
How To Spot Meningitis And Septicaemia
Meningococcal W disease, like all meningococcal infections, can come on suddenly and progress quickly.
All meningococcal infections can cause meningitis and septicaemia, but Men W can also cause other illnesses, such as pneumonia and joint infections .
Early symptoms of meningococcal disease include:
- cold hands and feet
A rash of tiny red pinpricks may also develop once septicaemia has set in. You can tell this is a meningitis rash if it doesnt fade under pressure, for instance when gently pressing a glass against it .
If you, or a child or adult you know, has these symptoms, seek urgent medical advice. Dont wait for a rash to develop. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital.
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Healthy Infants And Children
One dose of Men-C-C vaccine is recommended in unimmunized children less than 5 years of age. One dose of Men-C-C vaccine may be considered for children 5 to 11 years of age if they have not previously been immunized as infants or toddlers. Immunization with 4CMenB vaccine or MenB-fHBP may be considered on an individual basis, depending on individual preferences, regional serogroup B epidemiology and strain susceptibility.
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program is a federal program that was created to compensate people who may have been injured by certain vaccines. Claims regarding alleged injury or death due to vaccination have a time limit for filing, which may be as short as two years. Visit the VICP website at or call to learn about the program and about filing a claim.
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Other Vaccines Against Meningitis And Septicaemia
A number of bacteria can cause meningitis and septicaemia, some of which can be prevented through vaccination.
The Hib/Men C vaccine is offered as part of the NHS vaccination programme to all babies after their first birthday.
The Men B vaccine is offered as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme to all babies at 8 and 16 weeks, with a booster after their first birthday.
Read this NHS leaflet, which gives information about the MenACWY vaccine for new university entrants .
Article provided by NHS Choices
Fda Approves Menquadfitm The Latest Innovation In Meningococcal Vaccination
FDA approves MenQuadfiTM, the latest innovation in meningococcal vaccination
- Latest innovation in quadrivalent meningococcal vaccination designed for use in persons 2 years of age and older in the U.S.
- Safety and effectiveness studied in five double-blind, randomized clinical trials with nearly 5,000 individuals
- Helps protect an expanded age group and elicits a high immune response across multiple ages
- Under regulatory review in Europe and other countries to help support local immunization efforts
PARIS April 24, 2020 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a Biologics License Application for MenQuadfiTM Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine for the prevention of invasive meningococcal disease in persons 2 years of age and older.
Meningococcal meningitis remains a major global health challenge because it can strike quickly and with devastating effect, taking a life in less than 24 hours. With the ability to help prevent this disease through vaccination, Sanofi believes one case is one too many, said David Loew, Executive Vice President, Sanofi Pasteur. Approval of this new vaccine in the U.S. represents an important milestone in the ongoing fight to help protect as many people as possible from meningococcal disease. It is our ambition to make this vaccine available to further expand protection to individuals worldwide.
MenQuadfi is Sanofis Latest MenACWY Innovation
MenQuadfis FDA approval is based on a robust clinical program
What is MenQuadfi?
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You Are Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
- Pregnant women who are at increased risk for serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease may get MenACWY vaccines.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women who are at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease may get MenB vaccines. However, they should talk with a doctor to decide if the benefits of getting the vaccine outweigh the risks.
Cdc Does Not Routinely Recommend A Menb Vaccine For All Teens And Young Adults However All Teens May Get Vaccinated Preferably At 16 To 18 Years Old
Serogroup B meningococcal disease is relatively rare. Outbreaks have occurred at several U.S. colleges during the past decade. CDCs current recommendation gives people access to MenB vaccines to help prevent this uncommon, but serious illness. However, doctors and parents should discuss the risk of the disease and weigh the risks and benefits of vaccination. Available data suggest these vaccines are safe and provide protection, but that protection decreases fairly quickly after vaccination.
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People With Medical Conditions That Increase Their Risk Of Invasive Meningococcal Disease
People with medical conditions specified in List. Specified medical conditions associated with increased risk of invasive meningococcal disease are strongly recommended to receive MenACWY and MenB vaccines.
- a full primary course of MenACWY vaccine, with ongoing booster doses
- a full primary course of MenB vaccine
People with these specific medical conditions have a higher risk of invasive meningococcal disease. They are recommended to receive extra doses compared with people who do not have these conditions.
The number of doses needed depends on the vaccine brand used and the persons age when they start the vaccine course.
For people aged 2 years receiving MenACWY vaccine, it is preferable to receive either Menveo or Nimenrix, rather than Menactra. If Menveo and Nimenrix are unavailable, Menactra can be given.
There is no preference for either Bexsero or Trumenba for people aged 10 years. For people aged < 10 years, Bexsero is the only registered MenB vaccine available in Australia.
Bexsero and Trumenba are not interchangeable. The same vaccine should be used for both vaccine doses.
Regular booster doses are required for MenACWY vaccines, but not for MenB vaccines.
For more details see:
People who have previously received a meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine
What Is Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal ACWY vaccine can help protect against meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y. A different meningococcal vaccine is available that can help protect against serogroup B.
Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis and infections of the blood. Even when it is treated, meningococcal disease kills 10 to 15 infected people out of 100. And of those who survive, about 10 to 20 out of every 100 will suffer disabilities such as hearing loss, brain damage, kidney damage, loss of limbs, nervous system problems, or severe scars from skin grafts.
Meningococcal disease is rare and has declined in the United States since the 1990s. However, it is a severe disease with a significant risk of death or lasting disabilities in people who get it.
Anyone can get meningococcal disease but certain people are at increased risk, including:
- Infants younger than one year old
- Adolescents and young adults 16 through 23 years old
- People with certain medical conditions that affect the immune system
- Microbiologists who routinely work with isolates of N. meningitidis, the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease
- People at risk because of an outbreak in their community
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How Do Meningococcal Bacteria Spread
Meningococcal disease is caused by 13 different groups of meningococcal bacteria.
In the UK, the disease is almost always caused by 1 of 4 meningococcal groups commonly known as MenB, MenC, MenW or MenY. These can be prevented with vaccination.
MenA disease is rare in the UK, but it’s more common in other parts of the world. It can also be prevented by vaccination.
The meningococcal bacteria live in the back of the nose and throat in about 1 in 10 people without causing any symptoms or illness.
Older teenagers are most likely to carry and spread the meningococcal bacteria.
The bacteria are spread from person to person by prolonged close contact such as coughing, kissing or sneezing with someone who is carrying the bacteria.
Very occasionally, the meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illness, including meningitis and septicaemia, which can rapidly lead to sepsis.
Meningococcal infections can happen at any age, but babies, young children and teenagers are especially vulnerable.