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Meningitis ACWY Vaccine in Great Yarmouth
Protect Yourself with Meningitis ACWY Vaccination at Online Chemist
Are you planning to travel abroad? Protect yourself against meningitis with a vaccine from OnlineChemist Travel Clinic in Great Yarmouth. Our expert pharmacists provide quick and efficient meningitis vaccination services to ensure you’re safe and prepared for your trip.
Meningitis ACWY is caused by several strains of bacteria, including Neisseria meningitidis, and can lead to severe illness or even death if left untreated.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – schedule your meningitis ACWY vaccination appointment with us today and take the first step towards safeguarding your health.
Get Your Meningitis ACWY Vaccine in Great Yarmouth
OnlineChemist Travel Clinic
82 Middleton Road
Gorleston, Great Yarmouth
Norfolk NR31 7AH
Tel: 01493 600610
Are you planning for Hajj or Umrah?
At our travel clinic, you will find a comprehensive travel health advice and vaccination service that is tailored according to your need.
Meningitis ACWY
Meningitis ACWY refers to a vaccine that protects against four strains of the meningococcal bacteria: A, C, W, and Y. These bacteria can cause serious infections, including meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and septicemia (blood poisoning), both of which can be life-threatening.
Key Points About Meningitis ACWY:
Causes and Symptoms of Meningitis:
- Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
- Symptoms include sudden fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, and confusion.
- Meningococcal infections can also cause septicemia, characterized by a rapid onset of fever, fatigue, vomiting, cold hands and feet, chills, severe aches or pain in the muscles, joints, chest, or abdomen, rapid breathing, diarrhea, and, in the later stages, a dark purple rash.
Why Meningitis ACWY Vaccine is Important:
- The meningococcal bacteria can spread through respiratory and throat secretions (e.g., coughing, kissing).
- College students, military personnel, travelers to certain parts of the world, and individuals with certain medical conditions are at higher risk.
- Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent these infections and their potentially devastating consequences.
Who Should Get the Meningitis ACWY Vaccine?
- Adolescents (usually recommended at ages 11-12, with a booster at age 16).
- First-year college students living in residence halls.
- Military recruits.
- People traveling to or residing in areas where meningococcal disease is common.
- Individuals with certain medical conditions or those with an increased risk of infection.
How the Vaccine Works:
- The meningitis ACWY vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the A, C, W, and Y strains of meningococcal bacteria.
- If a vaccinated person is later exposed to these bacteria, their immune system can recognize and fight off the infection more effectively.
Types of Meningitis ACWY Vaccines:
- There are several brands of meningitis ACWY vaccines, including Menactra, Menveo, Nimenrix, and MenQuadfi. These vaccines are considered interchangeable.
- The vaccine is usually given as an injection into the muscle of the upper arm.
Safety and Side Effects:
Common Side Effects:
- Redness or pain at the injection site
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
Serious Side Effects:
- Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe reaction include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, and a rapid heartbeat. Immediate medical attention is required in these cases.
The meningitis ACWY vaccine is a crucial preventive measure against serious and potentially life-threatening infections. It is especially important for those at higher risk of exposure to meningococcal bacteria. By getting vaccinated, individuals can protect themselves and help prevent the spread of these dangerous infections.
Meningitis Vaccination in Great Yarmouth
Meningitis vaccination schedule:
1 dose
Boosters:
You won’t need a booster to stay protected but if required for a certificate, you can have one after 3 years.
Who needs it?
- Advised if going to countries at risk and mixing closely with local population.
- Compulsory visa requirement for the Hajj or Umrah.
- Certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination.
Age restrictions:
Over 1 year
How much will it cost?
Vaccine & Certificate – £60
No consultation fee
If you need a Meningitis ACWY vaccine in Great Yarmouth, visit the Online Chemist Travel Clinic, a proud member of the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM). Our centrally located clinic offers convenient, affordable, and expert vaccination services to ensure you’re protected for your travels. Book your appointment today and travel with confidence!
Our Travel Clinic is based in Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 7AH.
For more information or to book your vaccination, visit the Online Chemist Travel Clinic.
Hajj & Meningitis Vaccination
The Hajj pilgrimage:
The Hajj is the annual religious pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia involving around 3.7 million pilgrims from around the world.
The Hajj takes place from the 8th through the 12th of Dhu al-Hijja, the last month of the Islamic year. As the Islamic calendar is lunar, the timing of Hajj varies with respect to the Gregorian calendar.
Umrah is a similar pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time of year.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus:
Cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in patients from Saudi Arabia continue to be reported to the World Health Organization.
The risk of infection with MERS-CoV to UK residents travelling to the Middle East is very low. The risk may be higher in those with exposure to specific risk factors within the region such as camels (or camel products) or the local health care system.
Public Health England advises that you should:
- Avoid all contact with camels and sick animals.
- Practise good general health measures, such as regular hand washing with soap and water, at all times but especially after visiting farms, barns or market areas.
- Avoid raw camel milk and/or camel products from the Middle East.
- Avoid consumption of any type of raw milk, raw milk products and any food that may be contaminated with animal secretions unless peeled and cleaned and/or thoroughly cooked.
Meningitis ACWY:
Following outbreaks of meningococcal disease in past years, there is a requirement for all Hajj pilgrims to show proof of meningococcal vaccination before Hajj visas can be issues. Hajj pilgrims must have had a quadrivalent (A/C/Y/W135) meningococcal vaccination within the previous 3 years (for polysaccharide vaccines) or previous 8 years (for conjugate vaccines) and at least 10 days before arriving in Saudi Arabia.
Travellers from countries or areas at risk of Yellow Fever must also carry a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
Seasonal influenza vaccine is also recommended for pilgrims. You should also discuss with your GP or travel clinic the need for additional vaccines such as those against pneumococcal pneumonia, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid.
Vaccinations should be completed at least 2 weeks prior to departure.
Tips for healthy travel:
- Hajj pilgrims should stay well hydrated, wear sunscreen, and seek shade when possible. Some rituals may also be performed at night to avoid daytime heat.
- Drink water and beverages that are sealed or known to have been purified, and eat food that is served piping hot or fruit that you have peeled yourself.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or disinfectant hand cleanser.
- For shaving, be aware that unclean razors can transmit viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Travellers should be shaved using disposable blades at officially designated centres, or use their own disposable blades and avoid sharing personal hygiene tools.
- Follow road safety rules to avoid injuries. Take extra care when crossing roads and always wear a seatbelt when travelling in motor vehicles.
- Try to avoid the most densely crowded areas during Hajj and, when options exist, perform rituals at non-peak hours.
Resources:
- If you are planning to visit KSA to undertake Hajj or Umrah, please read the factsheet where further information is available.
- GOV.UK click here.
- How to Perform Hajj Step By Step Complete Video.