Meningococcal (meningitis) (ACWY) - vaccination

Protect yourself against meningococcal disease with our private MenACWY Vaccination service.

The MenACWY vaccine helps protect against four strains of meningococcal bacteria (groups A, C, W and Y), which can cause serious illnesses such as meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia(blood poisoning). These infections can develop rapidly and require urgent medical treatment.

Please note: The MenACWY vaccine does not protect against meningococcal group B (MenB). Protection against MenB requires a separate MenB vaccination.

Our private MenACWY vaccination is commonly recommended for travellers visiting destinations where meningococcal disease is more common, particularly those travelling for Hajj or Umrah, where proof of MenACWY vaccination may be required for entry.

Before vaccination, one of our healthcare professionals will assess your travel plans, medical history and individual circumstances to determine whether the vaccine is suitable for you.

Who should consider the MenACWY vaccine?

The MenACWY vaccine may be suitable for:

• Travellers visiting destinations where meningococcal disease is more common

• People travelling for Hajj or Umrah

• Students or individuals living in shared accommodation where appropriate

• People at increased risk of meningococcal disease

• Anyone wishing to reduce their risk of meningococcal infection

If you're unsure whether you need the MenACWY vaccine, our healthcare professional can provide personalised travel health advice based on your destination and individual circumstances.

What happens during your appointment?

During your appointment, one of our qualified healthcare professionals will:

• Review your travel plans, vaccination history and medical history

• Assess whether the MenACWY vaccine is recommended for you

• Discuss the benefits and possible side effects of the vaccine

• Administer the vaccination safely

• Provide aftercare advice and answer any questions

The vaccination is given as an injection into the upper arm, and appointments usually take around 15–20 minutes.

Why choose PillBox Chemists?

• Convenient private vaccination appointments

• Experienced healthcare professionals

• Personalised travel health advice

• Professional and confidential service

• Suitable for travel, including Hajj and Umrah

• Advice before and after your vaccination

• Convenient pharmacy locations

Ready to travel?

If you're unsure which travel vaccinations you need, our healthcare professionals can review your destination, travel itinerary and vaccination history to recommend the most appropriate protection for your trip.

Depending on where you're travelling, you may also benefit from:

• Hepatitis A Vaccination

• Hepatitis B Vaccination

• Typhoid Vaccination

• Yellow Fever Vaccination

• Rabies Vaccination

• Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio (Td/IPV) Vaccination

Please note

The Meningococcal (MenACWY) Vaccination is a private service and charges apply.

The MenACWY vaccine is usually given as a single dose. For most travellers, one dose provides long-lasting protection. A booster may be recommended depending on your age, underlying health conditions, ongoing risk of exposure or travel requirements. Your healthcare professional will advise you if a booster is appropriate.

If you're travelling for Hajj or Umrah, we recommend booking your vaccination well in advance of your departure, as proof of MenACWY vaccination may be required for entry into Saudi Arabia.