Vaccination against meningitis and septicaemia

Meningitis ACWY vaccine is being offered to all 14 - 24 year olds who have not previously had this vaccination at school . It 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 17 and 18 year olds 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 septicaemia 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.

If you decide not to have the vaccination please call 01494 782262, or email us at newsurgery.admin@nhs.net 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:  

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/men-acwy-vaccine.aspx