Meningococcal disease is a serious illness that can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and/or septicaemia (blood poisoning). It is caused by a bacterial infection, with cases seen all year round.
The bacteria that causes this disease is called Neisseria meningitidis, of which there are many different types (serogroups). The most common types that cause disease in Australia are serogroups A, B, C, W and Y. Approximately ten per cent of the population carry the bacteria in their nose and throats and do not have any symptoms or illness.
However, the small number of people who develop meningococcal disease can become unwell very quickly. Despite treatment, between five and ten per cent of people with meningococcal disease die.
How is it prevented?
Vaccination is the best way to protect against meningococcal disease.
There are two groups of vaccines currently available in Australia:
1. Meningococcal ACWY vaccines which protect against serogroups A, C, W and Y
A meningococcal ACWY vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for:
- Babies at 12 months of age
- Adolescents 15-19 years (offered in Year 10 through the School Immunisation Program)
- For people with certain conditions that put them at high risk of disease
While not funded, any person from 6 weeks of age who wants to protect themselves against meningococcal disease is recommended to get this vaccine.
2. Meningococcal B vaccines which protect against some strains of serogroup B
A meningococcal B vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children at 2 months, 4 months and 12 months (with an additional dose at 6 months for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with certain conditions that put them at high risk of disease)
- For people with certain conditions that put them at high risk of disease
While not funded, any person from 6 weeks of age who wants to protect themselves against meningococcal disease is recommended to get this vaccine.
Further information
For more information about meningococcal disease and eligibility for funded vaccines, see the Queensland Health website: Meningococcal Disease (health.qld.gov.au)
Information on meningococcal disease is also available from:
