What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is a contagious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria (Neisseria meningitidis). It is uncommon but very serious.
Meningococcal bacteria usually spread from person-to-person through close, prolonged or intimate contact, such as household members or intimate partners. Some people carry the bacteria in their nose and throat without developing illness and can spread it to others.
In a small number of people, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). This usually presents as meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and/or septicaemia (blood poisoning). IMD can develop very quickly and causes death in about 5 to 10 per cent of cases.
Vaccination against meningococcal bacteria is the best protection against meningococcal disease. Even if you have had meningococcal disease, you are still advised to be vaccinated against this serious disease. Having had the disease does not mean you will develop lifelong immunity.
There are different strains, or serogroups, of meningococcal bacteria. Meningococcal vaccines are available to protect against the common disease-causing strains such as serogroups A, B, C, W and Y. These vaccines are recommended for people at increased risk of meningococcal disease.
Meningococcal ACWY vaccination
In Victoria, vaccination against meningococcal serogroups A, C, W and Y (with the ACWY vaccine) is available for free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule for:
- children aged 12 months
- young people in Year 10 (or age equivalent) through the Secondary School Immunisation Program
- people with asplenia, hyposplenia, complement deficiency, or receiving treatment with eculizumab.
Free catch-up meningococcal ACWY vaccine is available under the NIP for all people (including refugees and humanitarian entrants) less than 20 years of age.
Meningococcal A, C, W and Y vaccine comes as a four-in-one vaccine, and usually requires a single dose (this will depend on your age and medical history).
Meningococcal B vaccination
Meningococcal serogroup B vaccine is available free under the NIP for:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island children aged 2 months (from 6 weeks), 4 months, 6 months (certain medical conditions) and 12 months
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who missed a routine meningococcal B vaccine can get a catch-up vaccination for free up to the age of 2 years. If they receive their first dose before turning 2 years of age, they can complete the other doses even after turning 2 years
- people with asplenia and hyposplenia, complement deficiency and those receiving treatment with eculizumab.
Other people who are strongly recommended to have meningococcal ACWY and B vaccines but are not funded under the NIP, and wish to protect themselves or their family can purchase by private prescription from their immunisation provider.
High risk groups for meningococcal disease
Some people are at higher risk of getting meningococcal disease. The following high-risk groups (listed below) are recommended for meningococcal vaccine:
- all infants and young children, particularly those aged less than 2 years
- adolescents aged 15 to 19 years
- people who have close household contact with those who have meningococcal disease and who have not been immunised
- people who smoke (currently or in the immediate past) and are aged 15 to 24 years
- people who are travelling to places, such as sub-Saharan Africa, that have epidemics caused by serogroups A, C, W and Y
- people travelling to mass gatherings, such as pilgrims travelling to the annual Hajj in Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabian authorities require a valid certificate of vaccination to enter the country
- people who work in a laboratory who frequently handle meningococcal bacteria
- people living with HIV
- people who have had a haematopoietic stem cell transplant.
Meningococcal vaccines are not usually recommended for women who are pregnant, but they might be given if your doctor thinks your situation puts you at risk of the disease.
Speak to your immunisation provider about which vaccine is recommended for you.
Where can I access meningococcal vaccine?
Persons eligible for the free vaccine can visit their local council, general practitioner (GP) or pharmacy to receive the free vaccine.
If you are not eligible for the free vaccine but wish to reduce your risk of meningococcal disease, you can purchase the vaccine on prescription.
Ask your immunisation provider about any out-of-pocket expense when making your appointment.
Where to get help
