Who should have the MenACWY vaccine
We recommend that teenagers and "fresher" students going to university for the first time, up to the age of 25, ensure they've had the MenACWY vaccination. This protects against meningitis and septicaemia, caused by the Meningococcal strains ACWY, which can be fatal.
Since 2016, pupils in school year 9 are offered the MenACWY vaccine. This means that most teenagers in Jersey have been vaccinated before leaving school and don't need any further vaccination before going to university.
You only need one vaccine dose for protection.
If you didn't receive the vaccine or if you're unsure
If you're unsure if you had this vaccine, telephone your GP surgery. They have a list of those who have received the vaccine. You can also contact the Child Health and Adult Routine Immunisation team, who can check your record.
If you haven't had the vaccine, we can arrange it for you if:
- you're going to university for the first time
- you've missed out on this vaccine protection during your school years
Contact your surgery or the Child Health and Adult Routine Immunisation team.
Why this age group need the vaccine
In recent years, there's been an increase in the number of cases of meningococcal W (MenW) disease in the UK. This disease has a higher death rate than other strains of meningitis. In response to this outbreak, the MenACWY vaccine was introduced in the UK and Jersey in Autumn 2015.
Fresher university students, up to age 25, have a higher risk of infection because many of them mix with lots of new people. Some of them may carry meningococcal bacteria without knowing.
This age group is at higher risk of getting meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning) from MenW. Both diseases are very serious and can kill if not diagnosed early.
Find out more about MenACWY vaccine and Meningitis on NHS Choices website. Details about the vaccine is also available at School vaccinations page.
Symptoms of meningitis
The early symptoms of meningitis are like flu symptoms. You need to be able to recognise the symptoms quickly, even if you've been vaccinated. The vaccine can't protect against all forms of the disease.
Learn more about meningitis symptoms at the Meningitis Research Foundation.
gov.je