A vaccine called MenACWY provides defense against the meningococcal bacteria that can cause meningitis and septicaemia. You typically get the injection into your upper arm. It’s crucial to know how to defend yourself from disease-causing microorganisms if you intend to travel outside the country, for example to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah. Get in touch with Knights Pharmacy for your meningitis ACWY vaccine in Birmingham & across the UK.
What is the risk of meningococcal disease?
Septicaemia and meningitis can both result from meningococcal illness (blood poisoning). Sepsis is a potentially fatal infection reaction that can be brought on by septicaemia or meningitis. Therefore, it requires urgent medical care.
Among the disastrous consequences include amputations, hearing loss, and brain damage.
The MenACWY vaccine was initially only necessary for people who were at a higher risk of contracting meningococcal diseases. Examples of these people are those who had their spleen removed or who had a non-functioning spleen, Hajj pilgrims, and those going to places where meningococcal disease is common, such as parts of Africa and Latin America.
What’s the significance of the Meningitis ACWY vaccine?
Meningococcal disease is a travel-related illness that is vaccine-preventable; the risk is higher for people who travel to regions where the infection is more common or during outbreaks.
Meningococcal infection is likely to affect visitors at a rate of 0.04 per 100,000 each month of stay. However, the risk might reach 200 to 640 occurrences per 100,000 visitors per month for high-risk groups, for example, tourists visiting Mecca during an outbreak.
In the United Kingdom, a number of fatalities as high as 4.9% have been recorded; rates in Africa are comparable to this or higher. This is a result of low vaccination rates, and the severity of the illness being underestimated.
Who is not eligible for the Meningitis ACWY vaccine?
Anyone who has had a reaction to the vaccine or any of its components should not receive the MenACWY immunisation.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following apply to you prior to receiving the vaccine:
- You are prone to bruising or have a bleeding disorder, such as haemophilia
- You have a fever
- You are expecting or nursing
How long does the Meningitis ACWY vaccine last?
The MenACWY vaccine offers at least five years of protection. Boosters are only necessary for certificate-related reasons. A meningitis ACWY certification is necessary before entering some countries, including Saudi Arabia.
Is the Meningitis ACWY vaccine in Birmingham effective?
In regards to the 4 different meningococcal strains, the MenACWY jab is both secure and efficient.
Without making the person ill, it triggers the immune system to produce antibodies against the sugar coatings on the bacteria.
Does the MenACWY vaccination have side effects?
The MenACWY vaccination can come with side effects, like any vaccine, however, they are often mild and pass quickly.
The most frequent side effects in teenagers and young adults are high fever (over 38°C), hardness/ redness and irritation at the injection site, as well as nausea, headache, and fatigue or exhaustion. No more than 24 hours should pass after these effects.
Occasionally, a tiny, lump could emerge, but it normally goes away quickly or within a few weeks.
Sign up with us today to get your meningitis ACWY vaccine in Birmingham.
This post was written on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor
