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. There are 13 different strains of the disease.
Strains A, B, C, W135 and Y most commonly cause disease. There is no single vaccine that offers protection against all meningococcal strains.

Meningococcal B Vaccine (Bexsero) will protect against B strains while Meningococcal C Conjugate vaccine will protect your child against C strains.
Quadrivalent  Meningococcal vaccine protects against A, C, W135 and Y. Menveo is the only Quadrivalent vaccination approved in young infants from aged 2 months.
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 private prescription. 

Meningococcal B Vaccine (Bexsero) is only available by private prescription.

Please consult your pharmacist for information on the price of these vaccinations.
It is important to note:
  • The C strain  currently now only makes up about 6% of all Meningococcal disease in Australia thanks to the Meningococcal C vaccination that was introduced in 2003  under the National Immunisation Program.
  • Meningococcal B disease is now responsible for  73%  of cases of the disease in Australia. (2014)
  • 83% of cases of meningitis in infants < 1 year were caused by the B strain (2014)
  • Meningococcal B Vaccine (Bexsero) vaccine is now available to protect against Meningococcal B disease but is not currently part of the childhood immunisation program.
  • It is therefore important to still be alert for signs of Meningococcal disease.
About the vaccines
​The vaccine only protects against Meningococcal group B and  C  disease.   For children aged 12 months and over, a single vaccination is recommended to provide long-term immunity against Meningococcal B and C disease. Meningococcal C Conjugate vaccine is provided free at 12 months under the National Immunisation Program.

For Meningococcal C vaccination  Infants aged 8 weeks and less than 4 months of age require three doses of the vaccine 8 weeks apart.  Infants aged 4 months and less than 12 months require 2 doses of the vaccine 8 weeks apart. 

For Meningococcal B Vaccination Infants aged 6 weeks and less than 5 months of age require three doses of the vaccine 8 weeks apart and a booster at 12 months.  Infants aged 4 months to 11 months require 2 doses of the vaccine 8 weeks apart and a booster at 12 months or 8 weeks after the last dose. Children >12 months only require 2 vaccinations 8 weeks apart. No booster is required.
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 01/01/2003)
  • 15–19 year olds (not including those aged 19 prior to 01/01/2003)
 
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 Meningococcal B or C Vaccine?
  • 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
Further Information is available from SA Health
In Summary:
  • ​Meningococcal infection, while uncommon, can cause serious, often fatal infection - meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning).
  • Children under 4 years of age and teenagers, 15 to 20 years, are at most risk of serious infection.
  • The meningococcal infection has a rapid onset of high fever, marked unwellness with shock, severe headache and a mottled rash (like bruising) - death within 24 hours of onset is not uncommon.
  • There are many strains of meningococcus - type B and C are the common strains
  • Type C is associated with most serious infections.
  • Meningococcal vaccinations give protection against the B and  C strain of meningococcus.
  • Children over 8 weeks of age can be vaccinated. From January 2003 Meningococcal C vaccine has been provided free for children between 1 and 5 years of age at our surgery. 
  • Children turning 1 on or after 1st January 2003 will have the Meningococcal C  vaccine as part of the '12 month' injections.
  • Children over 1 year and not turning 5 until after 1st January 2003 can receive free Meningococcal C  vaccine through their general practice.
  • Children turning 5 on or before 1st January 2003 - up to and including children aged 14 will receive Meningococcal C  vaccine in a free school based program to be delivered in 2004-2005.
  • Those aged 15 to turning 19 after 1st January 2003 will receive free Meningococcal C vaccine via their GP, school or other special program.)
  • Approximate cost of Meningococcal C vaccination : ~$70 per injection - if not eligible for the free program.
  • Approximate cost of Meningococcal B vaccination : ~$125 per injection

The Vaccine:

The Meningococcal vaccine is not a live vaccine.

Recommended for:

Children under 4 years of age and teenagers, 15 to 20 years, are at most risk of serious infection. Therefore, children over 6 weeks of age can be vaccinated as part of the Immunisation Schedule for Children.

Teenagers, 15 - 19 yrs old will be provided the vaccine through the free school based programs.

​Meningococcal vaccine​ should not be given :
  • if there has been an allergic reaction to previous Meningitec injection
  • Anaphylaxis (circulatory failure) has occurred following previous doses or severe hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine
  • if there is an allergy to diphtheria vaccine, latex or aluminium salts
  • in the presence of a fever over 38.5 degrees
  • during or immediately prior to pregnancy or while breastfeeding
  • in the presence of impaired immunity - cancer, immune suppressant medication etc
  • the elderly 

Adverse Reactions:

The vaccine is not a live vaccine - it cannot cause meningitis or other infection.
​
Reactions are usually of a minor nature - irritability, fever up to 39 degrees and redness at the site of vaccination. More serious side effects are very rare.