The Meningitis ACWY vaccine protects against four strains of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, and Y) that can cause meningitis and septicaemia — both potentially life-threatening infections. For travellers, this vaccine is particularly important if you're heading to sub-Saharan Africa's "meningitis belt" or undertaking the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Who Needs the Meningitis ACWY Vaccine?
Hajj and Umrah pilgrims — Saudi Arabia requires all Hajj and Umrah visa applicants to show proof of Meningitis ACWY vaccination administered within the last 5 years (but no less than 10 days before arrival). Without a valid certificate, your visa application will be rejected and you may be denied entry.
Travellers to sub-Saharan Africa — The "meningitis belt" stretches across Africa from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east, and includes countries like Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Sudan, and Central African Republic. Risk is highest during the dry season (December to June) when outbreaks are most common.
Students starting university — While not travel-related, the ACWY vaccine is recommended for all students starting university in the UK, as meningitis outbreaks can occur in communal living environments.
Travellers to any area with known outbreaks — Our pharmacist monitors current meningitis outbreaks worldwide and will advise if your destination has an active risk.
What Does the Vaccine Cost?
At Holborn Clinic, the Meningitis ACWY vaccine costs £49 per dose. This is a single-dose vaccine — one injection provides protection for up to 5 years.
The price includes:
- The vaccine itself
- Administration by a qualified pharmacist
- A vaccination certificate (essential for Hajj/Umrah visa applications)
- A free travel health consultation to discuss any other vaccines you may need
There is no consultation fee. You only pay for the vaccine.
Hajj & Umrah Certificate Requirements
Saudi Arabia has specific requirements for the Meningitis ACWY certificate:
- The vaccine must be a quadrivalent conjugate vaccine (ACWY) — we use MenQuadfi which meets all Saudi requirements
- It must be administered at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia
- The certificate must not be more than 5 years old at the time of travel
- The certificate must include the vaccine name, date administered, and batch number
At Holborn Clinic, we issue Hajj/Umrah-compliant certificates on the day of your vaccination. Our certificates are accepted by all Saudi visa processing centres and embassies.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your appointment takes approximately 15 minutes:
- Consultation — Our pharmacist will review your travel plans and health history to confirm suitability
- Vaccination — A single injection in the upper arm. Most people describe it as a brief pinch
- Certificate — Your vaccination certificate is issued immediately. For Hajj/Umrah travellers, this is formatted to meet Saudi requirements
- Advice — We'll discuss any additional vaccines recommended for your destination
Call ahead on 0207 405 1039 or book online to guarantee your preferred time slot.
Side Effects
The Meningitis ACWY vaccine is well-tolerated. Common side effects are mild and temporary:
- Soreness or redness at the injection site (very common, resolves in 1-2 days)
- Headache (common)
- Fatigue or mild fever (less common)
Serious side effects are extremely rare. Our pharmacist will discuss any concerns before administering the vaccine.
How Long Does Protection Last?
A single dose of the Meningitis ACWY vaccine provides protection for approximately 5 years. If your last dose was more than 5 years ago and you're travelling to a risk area (or applying for a Hajj/Umrah visa), you'll need a booster.
When Should I Get Vaccinated?
For Hajj and Umrah — at least 10 days before your departure date (this is a visa requirement). We recommend booking 2-4 weeks before travel to allow time for any other vaccines you may need.
For general travel — ideally 2-4 weeks before departure, although the vaccine provides some protection within days.
We offer same day appointments for last-minute travellers. Call us on 0207 405 1039 or book online.
Book Your Meningitis ACWY Vaccine
Holborn Clinic is a GPhC-registered pharmacy in central London, just 2 minutes from Holborn station. We provide Meningitis ACWY vaccination with Hajj/Umrah-compliant certificates — no GP referral needed.
£49 · Single dose · Certificate issued on the day · Free consultation included
