Which countries is Meningococcal relevant for?

LCR mentions Meningococcal for 30 destinations, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the (Kinshasa). Open a country for the full advice.

Is vaccination against Meningococcal required?

For some destinations Meningococcal may be required for entry. Always check the country page and the latest entry rules.

When should I get travel vaccinations?

Book a travel clinic appointment 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Some vaccines need more than one dose.

Travel Health

Meningococcal

Meningococcal meningitis is a disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus). The best-known types are A, B, C, W and Y.

Source: National Coordination Centre for Travellers' Health (LCR). Last updated April 4, 2024 · Open the LCR page

What is Meningococcal?

According to LCR (Dutch travel advice)

Meningococcal meningitis is a disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus). The best-known types are A, B, C, W and Y.

The disease occurs worldwide. In sub-Saharan Africa there are epidemics in the dry season, mainly type A and increasingly type W135. Outbreaks also occur elsewhere from time to time.

You can catch it through the air from someone who talks, coughs or sneezes, or through direct contact such as kissing on the mouth.

If you become ill, it is usually a few days after infection. It starts like flu with high fever, muscle pain, vomiting, headache and a stiff neck: pain when you bend your head. The disease can be very serious, and sometimes fatal.

There is a vaccine against types A, C, W135 and Y (ACW135Y). Since May 2018, children in the Netherlands receive this vaccination at 14 months and 14 years. Ask a travel clinic whether vaccination is needed, for example for a longer stay in a country where meningitis is common. For travellers on pilgrimage to Mecca this vaccination is required.

According to WHO

Bacterial meningitis is life-threatening. Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) is one of the four main causes.
The highest burden is in the African meningitis belt, from Senegal to Ethiopia, with recurrent epidemics.
Vaccines exist against meningococcal types A, C, W, Y, X and B; there is no universal vaccine against all types.

Open the WHO page

According to the Dutch national immunisation programme

The bacterium usually sits in the nose and throat. You often do not become ill, but you can still infect others by coughing, sneezing or kissing.
Meningitis kills 5 to 10% of patients; severe blood poisoning kills 20 to 50%.
Toddlers at 14 months and teenagers at 14 years get MenACWY. Meningococcal B is not in the national programme.

Open the RVP page · Rijksvaccinatieprogramma.nl

Frequently asked questions

What is Meningococcal?: Meningococcal meningitis is a disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus). The best-known types are A, B, C, W and Y.
Which countries is Meningococcal relevant for?: LCR mentions Meningococcal for 30 destinations, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the (Kinshasa). Open a country for the full advice.
Is vaccination against Meningococcal required?: For some destinations Meningococcal may be required for entry. Always check the country page and the latest entry rules.
When should I get travel vaccinations?: Book a travel clinic appointment 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Some vaccines need more than one dose.

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