Skip to main content Skip to left navigation Skip to search

• About immunisation
• Immunisation programs & initiatives
• Diseases A-Z list
• Common questions & answers (fact sheets)
• Publications
• Contacts

• Parents & children
• Older Australians
• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders

• Health care providers
  • GP Immunisation Incentives Scheme
  • Reporting adverse reactions
  • Vaccine storage & handling guidelines
  • Order publications

   

Meningococcal infections

Caused by a number of different strains of the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, meningococcal diseases include:

• 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 after infection before symptoms show.

Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis 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.

Vaccination recommended for routine childhood immunisation is listed on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule and funded for children under the Immunise Australia Program.

For technical information refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edition 2008 (NHMRC).

Page last modified: 08 April, 2008