The Meningitis ACWY vaccine protects against four groups of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W and Y) that can cause meningitis and blood poisoning. It is a mandatory requirement for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia.
£50 per dose — single-dose course
Who it is for
Mandatory for all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia, and advised for other travellers at risk
Number of doses
A single dose for most adults and older children
When to have it
At least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia
How long protection lasts
Around 5 years
How it is given
An injection into the upper arm
Price
£50 per dose
The Meningitis ACWY vaccine is a single dose that protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y, which cause meningitis and blood poisoning. It is mandatory for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia, who must show proof of vaccination on entry. The Meningitis ACWY vaccine for Hajj and Umrah is available at Crewe Travel Clinic in Crewe, Cheshire.
Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). It can develop very quickly and become life-threatening, so prevention through vaccination is important for those at risk.
The MenACWY vaccine protects against four of the main groups of the bacteria. The bacteria spread between people through close contact, so large gatherings such as the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages carry a higher risk of transmission.
Saudi Arabia requires all pilgrims to provide proof of MenACWY vaccination as a condition of entry for Hajj and Umrah. A single dose is given, and your travel health nurse will issue the appropriate documentation and advise on timing.
At least 10 days before travel
Saudi Arabia requires the single dose to be given at least ten days before arrival and within the validity period accepted for entry.
High level of protection
A single dose provides strong protection against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y in adults and older children.
Around 5 years
Protection generally lasts around five years, and a further dose may be required to meet entry rules for future pilgrimages.
The MenACWY vaccine is mandatory for all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia, who must show valid proof of vaccination on entry. It may also be advised for other travellers at risk, including those visiting the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa and people attending large gatherings. Your travel health nurse will confirm the requirements for your trip.
Saudi Arabia requires every Hajj and Umrah pilgrim to show valid proof of MenACWY vaccination as a condition of entry, regardless of age over 12 months. The vaccine may also be advised for other travellers whose plans place them at higher risk of meningococcal disease, particularly where there is close or prolonged contact with local populations.
For most adults and children aged over 12 months a single dose provides the protection required for entry to Saudi Arabia. The dose must be given at least ten days before arrival so that protection has had time to develop, and it must fall within the validity period accepted by the Saudi authorities. Your travel health nurse will check your travel dates, give the injection and issue the documentation you need for entry.
A single dose gives a high level of protection against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y, with protection generally lasting around five years. If you plan to undertake Hajj or Umrah again, you may need a further dose to remain within the validity period accepted for entry. Your nurse can advise on whether a repeat dose is needed for future travel.
The MenACWY vaccine is well tolerated and most side effects are mild and settle within a day or two. Serious reactions are very rare. If you feel unwell after vaccination, paracetamol can help, and you should seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or persist.