Ready to explore? Learn more about avoiding meningococcal disease while travelling
What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria and can result in meningitis, an infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). The bacteria of meningococcal disease is divided into five main groups (A, B, C, W and Y).
It's most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults, but can affect anyone.
It can be serious if it isn’t diagnosed and treated quickly. It can also cause septicaemia (severe blood poisoning which can be fatal) and permanent brain or nerve damage. The bacteria are spread from person to person by close contact over a prolonged period of time. This can include:
• Kissing
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Sharing utensils with a person carrying the bacteria
What is meningococcal B?
Meningococcal B bacteria is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK. Because of this, routine meningococcal B vaccines are offered to babies at different ages which are:
• One dose when aged two months old
• A second dose offered at four months
• A booster dose at 12 months
The MenACWY vaccination
The MenACWY vaccination is also available to prevent groups of meningococcal disease that occur outside the UK.
If you're planning to travel to specific high-risk countries, vaccination against the various types of meningococcus (the MenACWY vaccination) should be considered before you travel.
High-risk areas include:
• Parts of Africa
• Saudi Arabia during the gatherings of Hajj or Umrah
You should be vaccinated two to three weeks before you travel and you will need to prove you have been vaccinated if travelling for events like Hajj. Babies under a year old will need two injections.
You should have the MenACWY vaccination before travelling to high-risk areas even if you had the meningitis C vaccination when you were a child.
Signs & symptoms of meningococcal disease
If travelling to a high-risk area, be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease and meningitis as they can develop very suddenly. They can include the following:
• A high temperature
• Being sick
• Having a headache
• Having a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it. This doesn’t always develop and it can be harder to see on brown or black skin
• Having sensitivity to bright lights
• Feeling drowsy
• Being unresponsive
Also remember that not all symptoms may appear, and they can also appear in any order.
Treating meningococcal disease & meningitis
If you suspect that you or someone you know has meningitis, it's a medical emergency. Call 999 for an ambulance or go to A&E.
It’s important to trust your instincts and not wait for all the symptoms to appear, or until a rash shows. If you or someone else has meningitis, it can get worse very quickly.
You can call NHS 111 for advice if you aren’t sure if it is meningitis or you think you might have come into close contact with someone with meningitis.
If you’ve had advice but you’re still worried, make sure to get medical help again.
Preventing meningococcal disease & meningitis
Having the MenACWY vaccination can help protect you against meningococcal disease and meningitis.
Vaccination
The MenACWY vaccination is given by a single injection into the upper arm and can help protect you against the four different types of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease: A, C, W and Y.
It’s offered to teenagers as part of routine school vaccination programmes, and to university students under the age of 25 who missed the routine childhood vaccination.
How long does the meningitis ACWY vaccination last?
A booster dose is recommended after five years for those travellers who are at risk of the disease again. For Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, evidence of vaccination is required every five years for a visa application.
Our service
For specialist health advice and vaccinations, book an appointment online with Boots Travel Vaccinations and Health Advice Service*. Ideally, this should be six to eight weeks before departure, but it’s never too late to seek advice if you're leaving sooner.
Meet our Pharmacists
1. Book an appointment
Six to eight weeks before you travel you will need to have your travel health appointment to assess what vaccinations you need.
2. Attend a personalised risk assessment23
During the 40 minute travel health appointment our specially-trained pharmacist will advise on any vaccinations and antimalarials you need for your travelling.
3. Get any vaccinations & antimalarials you may need*
You'll also be given additional personalised advice to help you stay healthy on your trip
