Meningococcal Vaccines Explained

Dr Nicole White

Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but very serious infection that exists in our community.  Young children and babies are particularly vulnerable to this illness but can be protected with vaccination.

What is Meningococcal Diseaese?

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection which can cause serious disease and even death in those exposed.  In it’s most severe form it presents as meningitis or septicaemia.  Less severe forms can include pneumonia, arthritis, pericarditis and conjunctivitis.   

How bad is it?

Not everyone who is exposed will get severe meningococcal disease.  Of those who do, 10% will die and 20% will be left with a permanent disability including loss of limbs, organ failure, vision or hearing impairment and learning difficulties.     

Symptoms of severe Meningococcal disease include fever, purple non-blanching rash, headache, neck stiffness, photophobia (intolerance of light,) altered consciousness, joint pains, nausea and vomiting. 

How can I catch Meningococcal Disease? 

Meningococcal infection is transmitted in respiratory droplets through coughing and sneezing.  Some people can carry the Meningococcal bacteria in their nose without  ever developing any symptoms or signs –this is more common in smokers. 

Symptoms of infection generally develop within 3-4 days of exposure.

The groups most at risk are infants under the age of 5 years and young adults aged 15-24. 

Most cases tend to occur in Winter or early Spring.

Vaccinations

In Australia we see 5 strains of Meningococcus: A, B, C, W and Y. 

B and C have been the most common but we are seeing an increase of cases of W and Y in our country.

Meningococcal B  is the most common cause of serious disease in children and young adults.  

Meningococcal C is rare since the introduction of a vaccination which has been given for some time as part of the National Immunisation Program. 

There is no single vaccination that covers all strains of Meningococcal infection.   There are 2 separate vaccinations which, in combination, can provide protection against the 5 main strains of Meningococcal disease seen in Australia.  These are outlined below. 

Meningococcus B – Bexsero

This is not part of the National Immunisation Program but is available and as of March 2024 is being funded by the state government for elligible children.  For others this vaccine is available privately.

2 or 3 doses are required depending on the age at which the vaccinations are started.

·         Less than age 1 at commencement – total of 3 doses required

·         Over age 1 at commencement – only 2 doses required

Bexsero can be given from 2 months of age however I generally recommend that the first dose is given at 3 months of age.

Elligibility for state funded vaccination in Qld:

·         infants 6 weeks to 12 months

·         children 12 months to less than 2 (catch up)

·         adolescents age 15-19

Meningococcal ACWY –  Nimenrix

This is a combination vaccine which covers 4 strains of meningococcal disease. 

This vaccine was added to the National Immunisation Program in 2018 and is now routinely given to all babies at 12 months of age.

The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends that babies receive a total of 3 doses of this vaccine – 2 to be given prior to 6 months of age followed by the government funded dose at 12 months of age.  The additional doses are optional and are available as a private vaccination with a cost of around $85 per dose.

Who Should be Vaccinated?

Vaccination against Meningococcal disease is recommended for the following groups:

1.    Those with Immune Deficiency

2.    Those in high risk occupations

3.    Infants and young children

4.    Adolescents and young

5.    Travellers to destinations with an increased risk of meningococcal disease

6.    Any other individual who wishes to reduce their risk of invasive meningococcal disease.

What are the side effects of vaccination?

·         Pain and redness at injection site

·         Fever

·         Nausea and decreased appetite

·         Rash

·         Irritability

·         Headache

The risk of fever with this vaccination is reduced if paracetamol is given prior to vaccination.  Please give your child a dose of paracetamol at home before presenting for vaccination.  This can be given in the clinic at the time of vaccination if you forget or are unable to do this. 

How Can I access these vaccinations?

 These vaccines are available at Neighbourhood Medical.  Please discuss further with your GP or the practice nurse for more information.  

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