Your one stop Vaccination Clinic
Meningitis Vaccine
Meningitis Vaccine
We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication
Meningitis
Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, leading to inflammation of the brain’s lining (the meninges). There are six key serogroups that cause disease: A, B, C, W, Y, and X. It spreads through close contact with respiratory secretions, such as via coughing, sneezing, or kissing. Outbreaks are common in sub-Saharan Africa and among pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah. A certificate of vaccination is required for entry to Saudi Arabia. While only the meningitis C vaccine is given routinely in UK schools, travellers should receive a quadrivalent ACWY vaccine. Protection lasts around 3 to 5 years, depending on visa and entry requirements.
Vaccination Pricing
£55 Per dose
£55 Per Course
Signs & Symptoms
Invasive meningococcal disease usually presents as meningitis or septicaemia.
Symptoms of meningitis include:
Meningitis or septicaemia
Neck stiffness
Nausea and vomiting
Sudden onset of fever
Intense headache
Symptoms of septicaemia include: fever, chills, confusion and a rash
High risk of complications and fatality
Symptoms of septicaemia include:
Fever
Chills
Confusion and a rash
Both conditions may progress rapidly and are serious diseases with high risk of complications and fatality.
Evans Pharmacy & Travel Clinic
General Contact & Travel Vaccination
Claines Pharmacy & Travel Clinic
General Contact & Travel Vaccination
The Vaccination
| Ages (Years) | Doses Required | Schedule | Time before travel | Boost required at |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 – 85 | 1 | – | 10 days | See specialist pharmacist |
Meningitis is a serious medical condition characterised by inflammation of the meninges—the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viral, bacterial, or, less commonly, fungal or parasitic infections. Of these, bacterial meningitis is the most dangerous and can lead to life-threatening complications such as sepsis, permanent brain damage, hearing loss, or death if not treated promptly. One of the most common bacterial causes is Neisseria meningitidis, which leads to meningococcal meningitis and is known to cause outbreaks and epidemics, particularly in certain parts of the world. Although meningitis can affect anyone at any age, it is more common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults, and those with compromised immune systems are also at increased risk. Rapid diagnosis and urgent treatment with antibiotics and supportive care are critical in preventing serious outcomes.
Meningitis, particularly the bacterial form, spreads through close and prolonged contact with an infected person, primarily via respiratory droplets expelled when coughing, sneezing, or kissing. It can also spread through sharing eating utensils, drinks, or toothbrushes. Because of this, it often circulates in communal living environments such as university halls, military barracks, or during mass gatherings like religious pilgrimages. Preventing meningitis involves a combination of strategies, the most effective being vaccination. Several vaccines are available to protect against the main types of bacterial meningitis, including MenACWY, MenB, and Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b). In addition to vaccination, practising good hygiene (such as frequent hand washing, not sharing personal items, and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing) helps reduce transmission. Early medical attention for symptoms and preventive antibiotics for close contacts of confirmed cases are also important in controlling the spread.
The symptoms of meningitis can develop rapidly and often resemble those of other common illnesses in the early stages, making it difficult to identify. Classic signs include a sudden high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light (photophobia), nausea or vomiting, and confusion or difficulty concentrating. Individuals may also experience drowsiness, seizures, or a loss of consciousness in severe cases. A distinctive purple rash that doesn’t fade under pressure may appear with meningococcal septicaemia, a life-threatening complication associated with meningitis. In babies and young children, symptoms may differ slightly and can include a high-pitched or unusual cry, a bulging soft spot on the head (fontanelle), poor feeding, irritability, or a floppy appearance. Because the disease progresses quickly, meningitis is considered a medical emergency. Prompt recognition and treatment with intravenous antibiotics and supportive care are crucial for improving survival and reducing the risk of long-term complications.
The duration of protection provided by meningitis vaccines varies depending on the type of vaccine and the individual’s age at the time of vaccination. The MenACWY vaccine, which protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W, and Y, generally provides protection for 3 to 5 years and is often required for travel to certain high-risk countries. The MenB vaccine, offered in two or three doses depending on age, is mainly given to infants in the UK but can also be recommended for older children or adults at increased risk; protection is believed to last several years but may decrease over time. The Hib vaccine, which guards against Haemophilus influenzae type b, is part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule and usually provides long-term protection when the full course is completed. Booster doses may be recommended for those travelling to endemic areas or for people at increased risk, such as healthcare workers, pilgrims, and students in shared accommodation.
Meningitis vaccination is strongly recommended for travel to regions where the disease is more prevalent or where there is a known risk of outbreaks. The highest risk is in the “meningitis belt” of sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east, where large-scale outbreaks commonly occur during the dry season. In addition, Saudi Arabia requires all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to show proof of recent MenACWY vaccination as part of the visa process. Other countries in Africa, parts of Asia, and South and Central America may also recommend or require vaccination depending on the current health situation, length of stay, and local healthcare access. Those travelling for work, study, or extended visits in high-risk areas (or engaging in activities that involve close contact with the local population) should consult a travel health specialist to determine their need for the appropriate vaccine.
Meningitis vaccines are generally very safe and offer a high level of protection against potentially fatal diseases. Most side effects are mild and temporary, with the most common being pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Some individuals may also experience a low-grade fever, headache, tiredness, or muscle aches within a day or two of vaccination. In young children, irritability, poor appetite, and disturbed sleep may occur. These side effects typically resolve on their own without the need for medical treatment. Serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, are extremely rare. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider of any known allergies or previous vaccine reactions before receiving the injection. Overall, the benefits of meningitis vaccination in preventing severe illness and potential long-term disability far outweigh the risks of minor side effects.
Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.
Simply call the clinic of your choice or send us an email enquiry, and our travel specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.
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The Malvern Travel Clinic offers a wide range of vaccines and travel vaccinations.
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