17/03/2026
Who should have the MenACWY vaccine
The MenACWY vaccine is recommended for all teenagers. It's usually given to children when they're 13 or 14 years old (school year 9).
If you missed having the vaccine when you were at school, you can get it up to the age of 25 years.
We will be inviting eligible patients over the age of 14 to attend the health centre for a vaccination if they wish. The school vaccination programme for students aged 13 & 14 will continue as normal.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease-confirmed-in-kent
Meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) is an uncommon but serious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. Very occasionally, the meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illness, (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can rapidly lead to sepsis.
The onset of illness is often sudden and early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital.
Early symptoms, which may not always be present, include:
A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass
Sudden onset of high fever
Severe and worsening headache
Stiff neck
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Joint and muscle pain
Dislike of bright lights
Very cold hands and feet
Seizures
Confusion/delirium
Extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking
Young people going on to university or college for the first time are particularly at risk of meningitis because they mix with so many other students, some of whom are unknowingly carrying the bacteria at the back of their nose and throat.
There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection. The MenACWY vaccination gives good protection against MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY and is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10. However, this vaccine vaccine does not protect against all forms of meningitis. Other strains such as MenB can circulate in young adults, which is why it’s important to know how to spot the symptoms of Meningitis and septicaemia as early detection and treatment can save lives.
Further information on meningococcal disease is available from:
The NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/
The Meningitis Research Foundation: www.meningitis.org 0808 800 3344 (24 hours)
Meningitis Now: www.meningitisnow.org 0808 80 10 388 (9am – 8pm)
