What is it?

Meningococcal disease is a uncommon but potentially life-threatening infection caused by different strains for a bacteria species (Men A, B, C, W, Y and X).

Around 10% of the UK population carry the meningitis bacteria in their nose and throat. It is spread between individuals by kissing, sneezing, coughing or during close contact with a carrier. Carriers of the bacteria generally don’t have any symptoms but can develop the disease in certain cases.

Risk areas

The disease is most common in the ‘meningitis belt’ of sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from Senegal through to Ethiopia. Following several large outbreaks of the disease in Saudi Arabia, certification of vaccination (with the quadrivalent vaccine) against Meningitis ACWY is now mandatory for pilgrims.

Prevention

Travellers to areas within the meningitis belt are at increased risk for a number of reasons such as:

• Long term stay with close contact with local population
• Healthcare workers
• Those visiting friends or relatives
• Backpackers

Vaccine schedule

Length of protection

Booster dose can be considered after 5 years following primary vaccination.

Hajj & Umrah

We have plenty of experience vaccinating pilgrims travelling to perform Hajj and Umrah and our clinics are among those recommended by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB). We can vaccinate you for Meningitis ACWY and give you the certificate required by Saudi Arabia for the visa. We can also offer other vaccines such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B and seasonal flu (at certain times of year) that are recommended by the Saudi Ministry of Health. Many of our staff have performed Hajj and are well placed to discuss questions you may have about your pilgrimage.