Meningococcal Meningitis ACWY vaccine (For Hajj and Umrah) With Certificate

The Meningococcal ACWY Vaccination Service from Ways Pharmacy is a private, pharmacist-administered single dose of conjugate MenACWY vaccine against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y, issued with a vaccination certificate, administered by appointment at Ways Pharmacy, London (GPhC-registered) — commonly required for Hajj and Umrah travel to Saudi Arabia.

Key facts

Who should consider it

• Pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah, who must show proof of MenACWY vaccination on entry
• Travellers to the African meningitis belt and other regions with seasonal meningococcal outbreaks
• Students and people living in shared accommodation who want broader meningococcal protection
• Close contacts of a meningococcal case, on clinical advice

Not suitable for: people with a confirmed allergy to a vaccine component; people who are acutely unwell with a fever on the day. Note that MenACWY does not protect against meningitis group B. The pharmacist will confirm suitability at your appointment.

How to book

1. Book your appointment online or by phone. The pharmacist confirms suitability at a short assessment before vaccination; payment is taken at the pharmacy.
2. Call Ways Pharmacy Holborn on 020 8106 7084 to arrange your appointment. Allow at least 10 days, ideally 2 weeks, before departure.
3. At the appointment, the pharmacist reviews your travel plans and medical history and confirms suitability.
4. The single dose is administered into the upper arm and your vaccination certificate is issued at the same visit.

Frequently asked questions

How many doses do I need?

The course is a single dose. A booster is not routinely recommended, but you may have one five years after your last dose if you need a valid meningitis ACWY certificate for entry requirements. The pharmacist will advise based on your history.

How far before travel should I get it?

Aim to be vaccinated at least 10 days before travel, and ideally about 2 weeks ahead, so your body has time to respond and your certificate is valid for entry. Saudi Arabia requires proof of MenACWY vaccination for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

Where do I get vaccinated?

The vaccine is administered by a GPhC-registered pharmacist at Ways Pharmacy, 77 Southampton Row, Holborn, London WC1B 4ET, near the British Museum and Holborn station. You can read more on our Holborn branch page.

Do I get a certificate for Hajj or Umrah?

Yes. A vaccination certificate is issued at your appointment, which you can present to meet Saudi entry requirements for Hajj and Umrah. Bring photo ID to the appointment.

Does this vaccine cover meningitis B?

No. MenACWY protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y only. Protection against group B requires a separate vaccine (Bexsero). The pharmacist can advise if MenB is also appropriate for you.

Safety / who should not

• Administered by a GPhC-registered pharmacist in a private consulting room
• Clinical screening on the day to confirm suitability and check for acute illness
• Not given to anyone with a confirmed allergy to a vaccine component
• 15-minute observation period after the injection
• Common side effects (redness and swelling at the injection site, tiredness, mild fever) usually settle within 1 to 2 days

References

• NHS — Meningitis vaccines (MenACWY)
• TravelHealthPro — Meningococcal disease

* Subject to availability. Eligibility criteria and clinical exclusions apply. This is a private travel vaccination service and is not provided by the NHS.