HWN Suggests

Why do some students not get their MenACWY vaccine?

When I first started university, my knowledge of meningitis was limited. I had perceived it as some kind of flu-like virus, which - like having a cold - was a temporary issue, and that could only be life threatening back in the Middle Ages.

After moving into halls during Freshers’ week however, I started paying more attention to it due to the amount of information being thrown at us through flyers warning us about the symptoms, talks about self care and health, or emails urging us to get a flu and meningitis vaccination. Luckily enough, my university offered them for free.

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  The 16 Vaccine

Some parents are aware of the first dose of the MenACWY vaccine at 11-12 years of age, but they don’t know the CDC recommends a second dose at age 16.

Articles of Interest

FAQs on MenACWY vaccine

All teenagers around the age of 14 are offered this vaccine as part of the routine immunisation schedule. The MenACWY vaccine is usually given at school at the same time as the tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster. The MenACWY vaccine is also offered to first year university students* under the age of 25. First year university students are at greater risk of infection due to higher carriage rates of the bacteria. They are also more likely to be living in cramped student accommodation.

MenACWY vaccine overview

Anyone who is eligible for the MenACWY vaccine should have it, even if they have previously had the MenC vaccine.

Meningitis A vaccine support

Gavi-supported campaigns have reached over 235 million people. No new cases of meningitis A reported in vaccinated countries.

Protect yourself against meningitis and septicaemia

MenACWY vaccine protects against four common groups of meningococcal disease – MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY. You should receive an invitation to have this vaccine when you are in school year 9 or 10 (aged 13-15 years). You need this vaccine even if you had a meningococcal vaccine when you were younger.

Resources

Menveo

MENVEO is a vaccine indicated for active immunization to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135 in individuals 2 months through 55 years of age. MENVEO does not prevent N. meningitidis serogroup B infections.

Vaccine Knowledge Project

This vaccine gives protection against four types of meningococcal disease caused by groups A, C, W and Y (MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY). Meningococcal disease is a major cause of meningitis and septicaemia. It can affect all age groups, but the rates of disease are highest in children under five years of age. It is also often seen in young people aged 15 to 19.

Immunize.org

All adolescents should receive a dose of MenACWY at 11 or 12 years of age. A second (booster) dose is recommended at 16 years of age. Adolescents who receive their first dose at age 13 through 15 years should receive a booster dose at age 16 years. The minimum interval between MenACWY doses is 8 weeks.

MenQuadfi

MenQuadfi is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W, and Y. MenQuadfi is approved for use in individuals 2 years of age and older. MenQuadfi does not prevent N meningitidis serogroup B disease.