Print Print
CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.

Immunizations - travel vaccinations - Management
What schedule is used for travellers who require meningitis (ACWY®) vaccination?

  • For adults and children aged 1 year and older — vaccinate with quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine 2–3 weeks before travel.
  • For children under 1 year of age — vaccinate with quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine 2 months before travel (two doses needed).
  • Menveo® (conjugate vaccine) is preferred to ACWY Vax® (polysaccharide vaccine) for all age groups (off-label use in children under 11 years of age) because of better and longer lasting protection.
  • Menveo®
    • Primary immunization:
      • For adults and children aged 1 year and older, give a single dose of vaccine.
      • For children under 1 year of age, give two doses of vaccine, one month apart.
    • Booster doses:
      • Children who received their primary immunization as infants should be given an additional dose of Menveo® (with an interval of at least 12 months between completion of the primary course and the booster dose) if they remain at high risk.
      • The need for booster doses in other age groups has yet to be determined, however it is likely to provide longer protection than ACWY Vax®.
  • ACWY Vax®
    • Primary immunization:
      • For adults and children over 5 years old, give a single dose of vaccine.
      • ACWY Vax® is no longer recommended for children under the age of 5 years.
    • Booster doses:
      • For adults and children over 5 years old, give a booster dose every 5 years to those at continued risk.
      • Children who were under 5 years when first vaccinated should be given a booster dose (preferably with Menveo®) after 2–3 years if they remain at high risk.

In depth

© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement