Vaccine (Meningococcal conjugate vaccine)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
MenACWYX is a vaccine (injection) that trains your body's immune system to fight against meningococcal disease, a dangerous infection that attacks the brain covering and blood, caused by five types of meningitis bacteria (groups A, C, W, Y, and X).
Activates humoral and cellular immunity by presenting polysaccharide capsular antigens (A, C, W, Y, and X serogroups) conjugated to protein carriers, stimulating B-cell production of bactericidal antibodies and T-cell responses against *Neisseria meningitidis* to prevent meningococcal meningitis and invasive disease.
Prevention of meningitis (brain fever), prevention of meningococcal blood infection (sepsis), especially important during meningitis outbreaks common in northern Nigeria and the African meningitis belt
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
If you or your child missed the scheduled vaccination date, visit your health centre as soon as possible to get the injection. There is no need to start over, just get the dose whenever you can.
Only receive this vaccine at a government-approved health facility or trusted hospital, and do not buy vaccines from unauthorized sellers or market vendors, as they may not have been stored properly. Meningitis outbreaks are common in northern Nigeria during the dry season (harmattan), so get vaccinated before outbreak season if you live in or travel to those areas. The brand Silmen-5 is one version of this vaccine available in Nigeria.
If you are taking drugs that weaken your immune system (like steroids or cancer drugs), the vaccine may not work as well, so inform your doctor. Other routine vaccines can usually be given at the same time, but let your health worker know everything you or your child is currently taking.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Meningococcal with your other drugs?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before receiving this vaccine, as it should only be given if the benefit clearly outweighs any risk.
This vaccine must be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Do not freeze it. Nigerian heat and sunlight can destroy the vaccine, so it should never be left outside a cold chain. This is why you should only receive it at a proper health facility, not from roadside vendors. Keep out of reach of children.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.