Meningococcal infection (or meningococcal disease) is caused by a bacteria called meningococcus. There are 13 strains of meningococcus and five of these can be prevented by vaccines (A, B, C, W and Y strains). Immunisation against meningococcal bacteria is the best protection against meningococcal disease.
Meningococcal ACWY
Meningococcal ACWY vaccine is provided as a single dose, free through the National Immunisation Program for:
- Children at 12 months of age
- Adolescents aged approximately 14 – 16 years through school based immunisation programs and those aged 15-19 as part of an ongoing catch up program
- People with particular medical risk conditions
Meningococcal B (Bexsero)
Moira Shire Council provides Meningococcal B vaccine at a cost of $155 per dose without a prescription. The vaccine can be given to babies from 6 weeks of age. The number of doses required and when they should be given differs by age.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under 2 years are funded to receive this vaccine through the National Immunisation Program.
Important - Please Read
Paracetamol is recommended 30 minutes before meningococcal B vaccine administration, for children younger than two years of age. Two further doses of paracetamol are recommended six hours apart.
For further information on meningococcal disease and immunisation please visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
If you have questions or to schedule an appointment please contact Council on (03) 5871 9222.