Bramley Pharmacy, 261 Northfield Ave, W5 4UA
0208 840 4464
Open Friday: 09:00 - 18:30
Northfields Travel Clinic

Meningococcal Vaccination

Meningococcal (ACWY & MenB) Vaccine in Ealing

Protect yourself before travelling. Book your meningitis vaccines at Northfields Travel Clinic, delivered at Bramley Pharmacy (Ealing, W5).

Meningococcal disease is a rare but life-threatening infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. It can lead to meningitis (inflammation of the brain lining) or septicaemia (blood poisoning), both of which can progress rapidly and cause permanent disability or death.

Six serogroups cause most invasive disease worldwide: A, B, C, W, Y and X.

At Northfields Travel Clinic (based at Bramley Pharmacy), we provide vaccination against the strains that travellers are most at risk from — including the MenACWY vaccine required for Hajj and Umrah visitors.

To review country-specific risks, visit NaTHNaC:
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/41/meningococcal-disease

How Meningococcal Disease Spreads

Around 10% of healthy adults carry meningococcal bacteria in their nose or throat without symptoms. It spreads through:

  • Coughing and sneezing

  • Kissing

  • Living in close quarters

  • Crowded environments (dormitories, hostels, military camps, pilgrimage sites)

Carriers can develop invasive disease if the bacteria enter the bloodstream.

Global Risk Areas

Meningococcal disease occurs worldwide, but risk increases in:

1. The Meningitis Belt (Sub-Saharan Africa)

This stretches from Senegal to Ethiopia, particularly during the dry season (December–June). Outbreaks are typically caused by serogroup A, but others (W & X) also occur.

2. Pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia (Hajj and Umrah)

Saudi Arabia requires all pilgrims to receive the MenACWY vaccine and present a valid certificate for visa approval.

Northfields Travel Clinic provides this vaccine and issues certificates immediately after vaccination.

3. Outbreak-prone or crowded environments

Travellers at increased risk include:

  • Backpackers

  • Long-stay travellers

  • Healthcare workers

  • Those visiting friends and relatives

  • Students living in shared accommodation

  • Travellers with no spleen or immune system problems

Symptoms of Meningococcal Disease

Meningitis symptoms may include:

  • Sudden fever

  • Severe headache

  • Neck stiffness

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Light sensitivity

Septicaemia symptoms may include:

  • Fever

  • Chills

  • Rash

  • Cold hands and feet

  • Confusion

These conditions can deteriorate rapidly and require urgent medical care.

Preventing Meningococcal Disease While Travelling

Travellers should:

  • Avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals

  • Maintain good hand hygiene

  • Avoid overcrowded areas where possible

  • Ensure they have received appropriate vaccination (ACWY ± MenB)

Vaccination is the most effective prevention method.

Meningococcal Vaccines We Offer at Bramley Pharmacy

1. Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) Vaccine

Protects against four strains: A, C, W and Y.

Who needs it?

  • All travellers to the meningitis belt

  • Long-stay or high-exposure travellers

  • Those visiting during outbreaks

  • Backpackers travelling through sub-Saharan Africa

  • Students living in communal accommodation abroad

  • Mandatory for Hajj and Umrah visa applications

Details

  • Brand: MenQuadfi or Nimenrix

  • Dose: Single dose

  • Price: £45

  • Certificate: Issued immediately (valid for 5 years for Hajj/Umrah purposes)

2. Meningitis B (MenB) Vaccine

Protects against serogroup B, a common cause of meningitis in Europe, including in young adults and children.

Who should consider it?

  • Travellers staying with local families

  • Students studying abroad

  • Travellers participating in long-term volunteer or fieldwork

  • Individuals with high-risk medical conditions

  • Those wanting broader protection beyond ACWY

  • Families travelling with young children

Note: MenB is not required for Hajj/Umrah but may be recommended based on your itinerary or risk level.

(You can internally link to your MenB page once created.)

Book Your Meningitis Vaccine in Ealing Today

Northfields Travel Clinic provides both Meningococcal ACWY and Meningitis B vaccines on-site at Bramley Pharmacy, 261 Northfield Avenue, Ealing, W5.

Use our online booking widget to schedule your appointment.

Stay protected, reduce your risk of invasive meningococcal disease, and travel with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the meningitis vaccine for Hajj or Umrah?

Yes — the MenACWY vaccine is mandatory. We issue the required certificate.

How long before travel should I be vaccinated?

Ideally at least 2 weeks before travel, but we can vaccinate closer to departure if needed.

Is one vaccine enough?

MenACWY protects against A, C, W and Y.
MenB covers strain B.
Both may be recommended based on your itinerary and risk.

How long does the MenACWY certificate last?

For Hajj/Umrah visa purposes: 5 years.
Clinically: protection generally lasts 5+ years.

Does the vaccine have side effects?

Most side effects are mild — arm soreness, low fever, fatigue.

Can children receive meningococcal vaccines?

Yes — both vaccines have age-appropriate schedules. We advise during your consultation.

Evidence-Based Sources

Other Vaccinations