Meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Septicaemia is an infection of the bloodstream. It is also called blood poisoning. Meningitis and septicaemia are serious, life-threatening conditions.
The meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine protects against 4 groups (A, C, W and Y) of bacteria that can cause meningitis and septicaemia.
The MenACWY vaccine does not protect against all types of meningitis.
Who should get the MenACWY vaccine
The MenACWY vaccine is recommended for children in their first year of secondary school. It is free through our School Vaccination Programme.
Students in special schools or home-schooling are also offered the vaccine.
If your child is absent from school on the day first-year students get their vaccines, contact the school vaccination team at your local immunisation office.
If you are an adult and want to get the MenACWY vaccine, ask your GP about getting it. You will have to pay for it.
Who should not get the MenACWY vaccine
Very few people should not get the MenACWY vaccine.
People should not get the vaccine if they had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to:
- a previous dose of MenACWY vaccine
- any of the ingredients of the MenACWY vaccine
MenACWY vaccine ingredients
The MenACWY vaccines used in Ireland are called Nimenrix and MenQuadfi.
Check the patient information leaflet for details about the vaccine, including ingredients and side effects.
Non-urgent advice: Find your patient information leaflet
Your patient information leaflet is the leaflet that comes with your medicine. You can find a digital version of the leaflet online.
How the MenACWY vaccine is given
The MenACWY vaccine is given as an injection, usually in the upper arm.
First-year students only need 1 dose of the vaccine.
Getting the MenACWY vaccine with other vaccines
Your child will get the MenACWY vaccine in the same visit as they get the:
MenACWY vaccine side effects
Like all medicines, the MenACWY vaccine can cause side effects. The most common side effects are mild and last for around 24 to 48 hours.
Common side effects include:
- pain, redness or swelling in the arm where the vaccine was given
- itchiness or hardness in the arm where the vaccine was given
- headache
- fever
- nausea
- tiredness
- loss of appetite
- rash
If your child feels uncomfortable, you can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen. Follow the instructions on the box or leaflet.
Severe allergic reaction
Severe allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. Vaccinators are trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.
Urgent advice: If you are worried about your child after their vaccination, contact:
- the school vaccination team at your local immunisation office
- your GP
- a GP out-of-hours service
- your local emergency department (ED)
How we know the MenACWY vaccine is safe
The MenACWY vaccine has a strong safety record. It is used in national immunisation programmes in many countries.
Vaccine safety is monitored in Ireland by the:
- Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA)
- European Medicines Agency (EMA)