The meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine helps protect against meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) caused by 4 groups of meningococcal bacteria A, C, W and Y.
The MenACWY vaccine’s routinely offered to all young people who are in S3 (around 14 years of age) at school. Young people who are in S4-S6 and missed the opportunity to get immunised last year may also get the vaccine at school this year.
The MenACWY vaccine’s replaced the MenC vaccine that was previously used in the routine teenage immunisation programme in S3.
What causes meningitis and septicaemia?
Meningococcal bacteria are significant causes of meningitis and septicaemia. There are 5 main groups of meningococcal bacteria that can cause meningitis and septicaemia – A, B, C, W and Y.
Meningococcal bacteria live in the throats of about 25% of young people without causing any problems at all. The bacteria can spread to other people through coughing, sneezing or kissing. The MenACWY programme’s targeting young people because of the higher risk of the bacteria spreading among young people of the same age.
What’s meningitis?
Meningitis is inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. This causes pressure on the brain resulting in symptoms like:
- severe headache
- stiff neck
- dislike of bright light
- drowsiness
- convulsions/fits
Meningitis can progress very rapidly and can lead to:
- deafness
- blindness
- epilepsy
- learning difficulties
It can even lead to death.
More about meningitis
What’s septicaemia (blood poisoning)?
Septicaemia (blood poisoning) is a serious, life-threatening infection that gets worse very quickly and the risk of death is higher compared with meningitis.
The signs of cold hands and feet, pale skin, vomiting and being very sleepy or difficult to wake can come on quickly.
More about meningitis and septicaemia
Who’s eligible for the vaccine?
Since 2009, there’s been a year-on-year increase in the number of cases of meningococcal W (MenW) infection in the UK. You’re more at risk of getting meningitis and septicaemia from MenW as a teenager or young adult.
The MenACWY vaccine’s offered to all young people in S3 at school. Young people in S4-S6 who missed the opportunity to get immunised may get the vaccine at school this year.
The vaccine
The MenACWY vaccine helps to protect against meningitis and septicaemia caused by 4 groups of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W and Y). It’s given to young people in S3 at school as an injection.
Which vaccines are used?
The following vaccines are routinely used in Scotland:
- Menveo Meningococcal Group A, C, W135 and Y conjugate vaccine
- Nimenrix powder and solvent for solution for injection in pre-filled syringe
How effective is the vaccine?
The MenACWY vaccine’s highly effective against serious infections caused by 4 different meningococcal groups (A, C, W and Y).
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 (A, W and Y).
Do I need parental consent?
You and your parents, or carer, should discuss the information before agreeing to have the immunisation. Parental agreement’s always advised, although it isn’t always necessary. If you or your parents have any questions about having the immunisation, you can talk to your practice nurse or GP if you feel you need more information about any aspect of the immunisation programme.
How do we know the vaccine’s safe?
All medicines (including vaccines) are tested for safety and effectiveness by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The vaccine meets the high safety standards required for it to be used in the UK and other European countries. The vaccine has been given to millions of people worldwide.
Once they’re in use, the safety of vaccines continues to be monitored by the MHRA.
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