Meningococcal Disease
Information about meningococcal disease immunisation funded under the Immunise Australia Program.
Meningococcal disease is caused by a number of different strains of the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. The bacterium is commonly found in the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat and windpipe) of people and is spread between people through infected droplets in the air. The disease can cause:
- meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord);
- septicaemia (blood infection);
- pneumonia (lung infection);
- arthritis; and
- conjunctivitis (eye infection).
It takes between 1 to 10 days for symptoms of meningococcal meningitis to show after infection and symptoms include:
- high fever;
- headache;
- neck stiffness;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- sensitivity to light;
- confusion;
- irritability; and
- drowsiness.
In Australia, meningococcal infections by strain C are vaccine preventable in all age groups, including babies and young children. Infections by strains A, C, W135 and Y are vaccine preventable in older children and adults. The highest rate of meningococcal disease occurs in children under 5 years of age.
Meningococcal C vaccination is recommended as part of routine childhood immunisation. It is listed on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule and funded for children under the Immunise Australia Program. To receive meningococcal C immunisation, visit your local doctor or immunisation provider. It is important to note that the vaccine is provided at no cost, however a consultation fee may apply.
Since 2003, all children turning 12 months of age have been eligible to receive free meningococcal C vaccine under the National Immunisation Program. The meningococcal C vaccination program also provided free Meningococcal C vaccine for all children and adolescents who were one to 19 years old in 2003 until 30 June 2006. Immunisation against meningococcal C is currently achieved using single-disease vaccines. For information about immunisation in your area contact your State or Territory Health Department. For technical information or information about vaccines, refer to the meningococcal disease section of the Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edition 2008 (NHMRC)
Page last modified: 18 May, 2011