Protection from meningitis and septicaemia
Men ACWY vaccine
This is being offered as a new vaccination programme for all 17 and 18 year olds born between 01 September 1996 and 31 August 1997. This vaccine protects against meningitis (inflammation of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning) caused by meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.
It is very important that you take up the vaccine. It is being offered in response to a rapidly growing increase in cases of a highly aggressive strain of meningococcal disease group W. This disease can cause meningitis and septicemia that can kill in hours, and those who recover may be left severely disabled. The vaccine also protects against three other meningococcal groups too – A, C and Y.
Going to university?
If you’re planning to go to university, please make an appointment as soon as possible before leaving for university. You are at more risk of meningitis and septicaemia in the first weeks at university when you mix with lots of new people, some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria, which is usually spread through prolonged close contact.
As the vaccine will also boost your protection against Men C, it replaces the “Freshers’” Men C programme which has been in place for the past year.
Please phone us as soon as possible to arrange an appointment to have the vaccination. If you decide not to have the vaccination please let us know so we can enter this on your medical records.
Further information on the vaccination programme and meningococcal disease can be found on NHS Choices at:
https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/men-acwy-vaccine.aspx
