Overview
Meningococcal meningitis is a severe bacterial infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can also cause septicaemia (blood poisoning). The disease can progress rapidly — from first symptoms to life-threatening illness within hours. Even with treatment, the fatality rate is approximately 10%, and many survivors experience permanent complications including hearing loss, brain damage, or limb amputation. The Meningitis ACWY vaccine protects against four of the most common strains of meningococcal bacteria: A, C, W, and Y. It is a conjugate vaccine, meaning it produces a strong and long-lasting immune response from a single dose. At Holborn Clinic, we provide Meningitis ACWY vaccination with certificates that meet Saudi Arabia's specific requirements for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. We also recommend this vaccine for travellers to sub-Saharan Africa's meningitis belt, where large outbreaks occur regularly during the dry season.