Meningococcal ACWY

The Men ACWY vaccine is delivered in schools between April and July to students in Yr9 at the same time as the Td/IPV vaccine. You will receive details on how to consent for the vaccination through school usually towards the end of March and we would request that you complete the Consent Form as soon as it is received to ensure your child is vaccinated in the school session.

If your child is educated at home you will receive a letter from SAIS with details of how to consent and an online link to book an appointment in a community clinic.

What is Meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is rare but very serious and requires urgent hospital treatment. It can lead to life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss, brain damage and scars.

Meningococcal disease can cause both meningitis and septicaemia. There are five main groups of meningococcal bacteria that cause disease – MenA, MenB, MenC, MenW and MenY.

Meningitis is dangerous swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. It can be the result of infection with bacteria or a virus or as a result of injury.

Septicaemia is when bacteria enter the bloodstream and cause blood poisoning which can trigger sepsis. Sepsis is an overwhelming and life-threatening immune response to any infection and can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. 

The Men ACWY vaccine

The Men ACWY vaccine is one injection that will protect against the four groups of meningococcal infection. Only one vaccination is required as a teenager.

Further information

Page last reviewed: 9 January, 2025