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MenACWY vaccine - About the MenACWY vaccine

Vaccination against meningococcal group C has been available since 1999. The MenC vaccine was introduced into the UK routine vaccination programme in 1999 and the MenACWY vaccine in 2015, there has been a big reduction in cases of MenC and MenW meningococcal disease.

The brand names of the MenACWY vaccines used in the UK are MenQuadfi,  Menveo or Nimenrix.

The MenACWY vaccination is normally given as an injection in the top of the arm. 

Eligibility for the vaccine

Teenagers aged 13 to 14 years of age (school year 9) are routinely offered the MenACWY vaccine alongside the 3-in-1 teenage booster vaccine.

  • Young people under the age of 25 also remain eligible if they have never received the MenACWY vaccine.
  • Children and young people aged from 10 years up to their 25th birthday if they have an incomplete or unknown MenC vaccination history.
  • People with an increased risk of meningococcal disease due to an existing medical condition or treatment, travel, migration or their job, or close contact with a case of meningococcal disease may also be recommended to receive the MenACWY vaccine.

Safety and effectiveness

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent meningitis or blood poisoning (sepsis) caused by meningococcal bacteria groups A, C, W and Y. No vaccine is 100% effective, so it is still important to know the signs and symptoms of meningitis and sepsis, even if you or your child are vaccinated.

This is because there are other bacteria that can also cause these illnesses, including the meningococcal group B disease that is not covered by the MenACWY vaccine. 

For more information about meningitis and sepsis, visit the Meningitis Now website.

Side effects of the vaccine

The most common side effects of the MenACWY vaccine are:

  • pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
  • hardening and itching at the injection site
  • headache
  • nausea and loss of appetite
  • tiredness

For more information on side effects, see: 

If your symptoms get worse or if you are concerned, contact NHS 111 Wales by calling 111 or contact your GP surgery. Calls to NHS 111 Wales are free from landlines and mobile phones. 

You should report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card scheme. You can do this online by visiting the Yellow Card’s website or by calling the Yellow Card scheme hotline on 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

Further information

If you would like to learn more about the MenACWY vaccine or the diseases it protects against, a number of information resources are available to help. You can also call NHS 111 Wales or your GP practice for advice if you have any questions.

Page last reviewed: 4th August 2025