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Travel Clinic

Meningitis ACWY Vaccine in London

A single-dose vaccine protecting against meningococcal strains A, C, W, and Y. Required for Saudi Arabia visa applications (Hajj and Umrah) and recommended for sub-Saharan Africa travel. Certificate issued on the day.

Starting from

£49

Includes comprehensive consultation, single-dose vaccine administration, and your official lifetime certificate.

Price

£49 per dose

Doses

1 (single dose)

Protection

Up to 5 years

Certificate

Issued on the day

Effective after

10 days

Appointment

~15 minutes

Overview

Meningococcal meningitis is a severe bacterial infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can also cause septicaemia (blood poisoning). The disease can progress rapidly — from first symptoms to life-threatening illness within hours. Even with treatment, the fatality rate is approximately 10%, and many survivors experience permanent complications including hearing loss, brain damage, or limb amputation. The Meningitis ACWY vaccine protects against four of the most common strains of meningococcal bacteria: A, C, W, and Y. It is a conjugate vaccine, meaning it produces a strong and long-lasting immune response from a single dose. At Holborn Clinic, we provide Meningitis ACWY vaccination with certificates that meet Saudi Arabia's specific requirements for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. We also recommend this vaccine for travellers to sub-Saharan Africa's meningitis belt, where large outbreaks occur regularly during the dry season.

Holborn Travel Clinic is inside Boutalls Pharmacy at 60 Lamb's Conduit Street, London WC1N 3LW, minutes from Holborn and Russell Square stations.

Who Needs This Vaccine?

  • Hajj and Umrah pilgrims — Saudi Arabia requires proof of Meningitis ACWY vaccination for all visa applicants. The certificate must be issued within the last 5 years and at least 10 days before arrival.
  • Travellers to sub-Saharan Africa's meningitis belt — stretching from Senegal to Ethiopia, including Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Sudan. Risk is highest during the dry season (December to June).
  • Students starting university in the UK — communal living increases transmission risk.
  • Travellers to any area with known active meningitis outbreaks — our pharmacist monitors current outbreaks worldwide.

What to Expect

  • Your appointment takes approximately 15 minutes.
  • The vaccine is a single injection in the upper arm.
  • You will receive a vaccination certificate on the day — for Hajj/Umrah travellers, this is formatted to meet Saudi requirements.
  • Protection begins approximately 10 days after vaccination (this is the minimum lead time required by Saudi Arabia).
  • A free travel health consultation is included — we will advise on any additional vaccines required for your destination.

Side Effects

  • Very common: soreness or redness at the injection site — resolves within 1–2 days.
  • Common: headache, fatigue, or mild fever.
  • Serious side effects are extremely rare. Our pharmacist will discuss any concerns before vaccination.
Destinations

Common Destinations Requiring This Vaccine

A selection of countries where this vaccine is commonly required — many more may apply. See our destination guides for the full list.

NigeriaGhanaKenyaTanzania
View all destination guides
Vaccines

Related Vaccines

Other vaccines available at our London clinic. Your pharmacist will confirm what you need for your trip.

Meningitis B VaccineMMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps & Rubella)Pneumonia Vaccine (Pneumococcal)Rabies Vaccine
View all vaccines
Enquiries

Meningitis ACWY Vaccine FAQ’s

Yes — Saudi Arabia requires proof of Meningitis ACWY vaccination for all Hajj and Umrah visa applicants. The vaccine must be a quadrivalent conjugate vaccine (ACWY), administered at least 10 days before arrival, and the certificate must not be more than 5 years old.

Ready to Book?

Same day appointments available. Call ahead to book. No consultation fees.

Book an AppointmentCall 0207 405 1039