National Meningococcal C Vaccination Program

About the Disease

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can cause serious or life-threatening conditions including meningitis (inflammation/swelling of the lining of the brain) and/or septicaemia (blood poisoning) and certain other rare conditions. The new meningococcal C conjugate vaccine will protect your child against one of the more common types of meningococcal infection.

 

 

 

Is there access to vaccine for those in non-funded groups?

Meningococcal C vaccine is not funded for infants aged less than 12 months, and adults over 19 years, but the vaccine is available from pharmacies on prescription. Please consult your pharmacist for information on the price of the vaccine.

It is important to note

·          This vaccine only protects against meningococcal C disease, which makes up about one third of all meningococcal disease in Australia.

·          It does not protect against meningococcal B disease, which is responsible for the majority of cases of the disease in Australia.

·          There is currently no vaccine available to protect against meningococcal B disease.

·          It is therefore important to still be alert for signs of meningococcal disease caused by other serogroups

 

About the vaccine

The vaccine only protects against meningococcal group C disease.  It does not protect against meningococcal B disease.  For children aged 12 months and over, a single vaccination is recommended to provide long-term immunity against meningococcal C disease. Infants aged 6 weeks and less than 4 months of age require three doses of the vaccine 4-8 weeks apart.  Infants aged 4 months and less than 12 months require 2 doses of the vaccine 4-8 weeks apart.

 

Who is eligible for the free vaccine?

Early in 2003 the Commonwealth Government is providing free Meningococcal C conjugate vaccine for those in the following age groups:

·          12 month old infants as part of the Australian Standard Vaccination Schedule

·          1–5 year olds (not including those aged 5 prior to 1/1/03)

·          15–19 year olds (not including those aged 19 prior to 1/1/03)

 

During 2004-05 children/adolescents aged six to 14 years will be vaccinated at school

 

Where can I get the vaccine?

·          Vaccine for the 1-5 year old program will be distributed to all general practitioners and other public providers who currently offer other childhood vaccines

·          Vaccines for the 15-19 year old program will be delivered through a school based program

·          Those in the 15-19 year old program who miss out being vaccinated at school or do not attend school can access the vaccine through local council clinics, other public providers who currently offer vaccines or at their local GP but there may be a consultation fee

 

 

 

Are there any side effects from the vaccine?

The side effects from the vaccine are usually mild and do not last long.  Side effects can include redness and soreness at the site of injection, mild temperature, headache, dizziness and nausea.  Rare side effects include fits and allergic reactions.

If you are concerned about your child following vaccination, please consult your general practitioner, immunisation provider, or contact either Child and Youth Parent Helpline 1300 364 100 (24 hours, 7 days) or the South Australian Immunisation Coordination Unit Ph: 8226 7177.

 

Are there any reasons why I should postpone or not have my child vaccinated with the meningococcal C vaccine?

Immunisation should only be postponed if:

·          The child/person is very unwell or has a fever (over 38.5C)

·          The person has previously been vaccinated with polysaccharide vaccine (Mencevax or Memomune). In this is the case then delay the conjugate vaccine (Menjugate, Meningitec or NeisVac-C) for 6 months

·          Pregnant unless otherwise indicated

 

Immunisation should not be given if:

·          Anaphylaxis (circulatory failure) has occurred following previous doses or severe hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine

 

For further information contact the South Australian Immunisation Coordination Unit:

Ph: 8226 7177

Fax: 8226 7197

Email: cdcb@dhs.sa.gov.au

Website: http://www.health.sa.gov.au/pehs (follow links to immunisation)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How can you tell if a baby has meningococcal disease?

Not all these symptoms may show at once

How can you tell if someone has meningococcal disease?

Not all these symptoms may show at once

 

 

 

Fever

 

 

 

 

Fretfulness

 

 

 

 

Child is difficult to wake

 

 

 

Pale or blotchy skin

 

 

 

 

Rash or red-purple spots or bruises

 

 

 

High pitched moaning cry

 

 

Refusing feeds or vomiting

 

 

 

Fever

 

 

 

Headache

 

 

 

Drowsiness or confusion-coma

 

 

Neck stiffness, joint pains

 

 

 

Rash of red-purple spots or bruises

 

 

 

 

Dislike of bright lights

 

 

 

Vomiting

 

 

 

See page 37 from the CDNA Meningo Guidelines at: http://www.health.gov.au/pubhlth/cdi/pubs/pdf/
mening_guide.pdf

See page 36 from the CDNA Meningo Guidelines at: http://www.health.gov.au/pubhlth/cdi/pubs/pdf/
mening_guide.pdf

 

 

References:

·          CDNA Meningococcal Disease in Australia: Guidelines for the early clinical and public health management. (June 2001)

·          NHMRC (2003) The Australian Immunisation Handbook, 8th edition (in print).

·          Guidelines for the early clinical and public health management of Meningococcal Disease in Australia. CDI 2001

 

Websites (Australia):

·          The Meningitis Centre:  http://www.ichr.uwa.edu.au/affiliations/meningitis/

·          The Immunise Australian Campaign: http://immunise.health.gov.au/

·          http://www.health.gov.au/pubhlth/cdi/pubs/pdf/mening_guide.pdf