Protection against four strains of meningococcal disease. Required for Hajj & Umrah. Recommended for Sub-Saharan Africa travel. Official certificates issued. Single dose — £60.
About the Vaccine
Meningitis ACWY refers to four strains of meningococcal bacteria — A, C, W and Y — that can cause meningitis (infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). Both conditions are life-threatening and develop within hours.
The bacteria spread person-to-person via respiratory droplets — coughing, sneezing or kissing. The MenACWY vaccine is a single injection triggering your immune system against all four strains. Vaccinate at least 10–14 days before travel. The vaccine can be given from birth.
The MenACWY vaccine does not protect against Meningitis B. A separate vaccine is available — ask our team at your appointment.
The four strains covered
Private Vaccination Clinic · Wigan
A single injection. No course required. Official travel certificate issued at your appointment.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Mandatory for Saudi Arabia visa. At least 10 days before travel. Certificates issued at your appointment.
Strongly recommended for Sub-Saharan Africa's 'Meningitis Belt' and other outbreak-prone destinations.
Those entering halls of residence for the first time. NHS offers free up to age 25 if missed at school.
Part of the routine NHS programme. Private appointment available for those who missed their jab.
Individuals with asplenia, complement deficiency or undergoing immunosuppressive treatment.
Where Is This Vaccine Needed?
Know the Signs
Early symptoms can resemble flu but worsen rapidly. Call 999 immediately if meningitis is suspected.
Often with cold hands and feet despite a high temperature
Intense, persistent — often the worst headache of the patient's life
Difficulty bending the neck forward — a classic meningitis sign
Severe discomfort when exposed to normal light levels
Unusual drowsiness, confusion or difficulty waking
A rash that does NOT fade when pressed — sign of septicaemia. Emergency.
⚠️ Seek emergency help immediately. Bacterial meningitis can be fatal within hours. Vaccination prevents infection — it is not a treatment for existing symptoms.
Safety & Side Effects
Yes. The MenACWY vaccine has an excellent safety record used in millions worldwide. It is not a live vaccine and cannot cause the diseases it protects against.
Generally safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Our clinicians will discuss your individual circumstances at your appointment.
If you develop a fever above 38.5°C lasting more than 24 hours, see a doctor. A small lump at the injection site is common and resolves on its own within a few weeks.
Common side effects
How It Works
Choose your vaccination appointment. No GP referral needed.
Visit Ready Health, 22 High Street, Standish, Wigan WN6 0HL.
Clinician administers your MenACWY vaccine in the upper arm.
Receive your official vaccination certificate for travel purposes.
Why Choose Ready Health
Recognised vaccination certificates for Hajj, Umrah and international travel, issued at your appointment.
No lengthy waits. Book online and be seen quickly — important when travel is imminent.
All vaccinations by qualified, registered clinicians — GMC, NMC and GPhC registered.
We advise on all vaccines and precautions for your specific destination.
22 High Street, Standish, Wigan WN6 0HL — accessible from Wigan, Chorley and Lancashire.
Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Rabies, Yellow Fever and more — comprehensive travel vaccine service.
Common Questions
Yes. The Saudi Arabian government requires proof of Meningitis ACWY vaccination for a Hajj or Umrah visa. The vaccination must be received at least 10 days before travel. We issue an official certificate at your appointment.
The vaccine provides strong protection against strains A, C, W and Y. Immunity develops within 7–10 days and lasts at least 5 years. It does not protect against Meningitis B or other causes of meningitis.
Boosters are not routinely recommended. However, you can receive a booster after 5 years if you need an updated certificate — for example, for repeat Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage.
No. The MenACWY vaccine only covers strains A, C, W and Y. A separate Meningitis B vaccine is available — ask our team if you would like to discuss this at your appointment.
Yes. If you missed your teenage MenACWY vaccination, you can receive it privately at Ready Health. The NHS offers it free up to age 25 — check with your GP if you are under 25.
The MenACWY vaccine is not a live vaccine and is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Our clinicians will advise at your appointment.
Yes. We issue an official vaccination certificate at your appointment, required for Saudi Arabia's Hajj and Umrah visa requirements and other destinations.
£60 per dose. Official certificates issued. Same-week appointments. NHS-trained clinicians. Serving patients across Wigan, Chorley and Lancashire.