Children are protected against some but not all strains of Meningococcal disease through vaccines on the National Immunisation Schedule. Dr Dale Garred, discusses Meningococcal disease and the vaccines that are currently available to provide protection against it.
“Since becoming a mum, I now truly appreciate the overwhelming need we have as parents to protect our children from harm. I think it is important to know about and make informed decisions about all of the vaccinations available to protect our children against harm…not just the ones included on the national schedule.” Dr Dale Garred
What is Meningococcal Disease?
Meningococcal Disease is a condition caused by bacteria. The disease most commonly effects
- the blood stream – resulting in amputation of body parts or blood clots in vital organs
- the brain – injuring or destroying nerve cells and causing brain damage
In recent years, we have seen a rise in the number of cases of Meningococcal disease in Australia. In 2017 there were 382 cases reported nationally, compared to 252 cases in 2016 and 182 cases in 2015.
Despite the rise in cases, the total number still remains low, however the disease can have devastating consequences for those unlucky enough to be affected. The risk of dying from Meningococcal disease is approximately 10%. Of those who survive, 10-30% develop serious long term disabilities, some requiring limb amputations.
How do you catch Meningococcal Disease?
The Meningococcal bacteria are spread via droplets from the nose or throat during coughing and sneezing or through close contact and activities. Meningococcal disease can be carried and transmitted to high risk people by individuals who are not even unwell. Individuals whose immune systems are not strong, are at most risk of catching Meningococcal Disease.
Most Meningococcal disease occurs in young children < 5 years of age and in older adolescents/young adults (15-24 years of age).
What vaccines are available?
There are 5 main strains of Meningococcal bacteria that cause disease in Australia:
- Meningococcal A
- Meningococcal B
- Meningococcal C
- Meningococcal W
- Meningococcal Y
There is no single vaccine that offers protection against all the types. Currently, children receive a vaccine against the C type of meningococcal disease under the national immunisation program when they are 12 months old. (Menitorix Vaccine)
Immunisation against meningococcal types A, C, W and Y is available in a “four-in one combined vaccine” (Menveo/Menactra vaccine). This vaccine was added to the National immunisation Program for 15-19 year olds in 2017 and is provided in schools. You can also get this vaccine if you are in this age group from your GP.
Recently it was also announced that the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine may be added to the NIP schedule later this year. At this stage we don’t know the exact start date for this inclusion or if there will be a catch up program. Protection against Meningococcal type B is not available under the national immunisation program in Australia, but only available through purchase via your GP. Interestingly, it is however included on the national immunisation program in the UK.
Both the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine (Menveo/Menactra) and Meningococcal B vaccine (Bexsero) are available at our clinic (no script needed), for anyone wishing to protect themselves or their family aged 2 months or older. There will be a nominal cost to cover the purchase price of the vaccine. Our Doctor’s strongly recommend children and adolescents are protected against this potentially life threatening disease. Many private health funds will provide some reimbursement for the cost of meningococcal vaccines.
Who should be vaccinated?
While meningococcal can infect anyone, infants less than one year and children under five are most at risk, followed by adolescents. This is mostly due to their undeveloped immune systems.
“I remind my patients that their children generally won’t remember getting needles, and the earlier you give the vaccines, the sooner they develop protection to these deadly diseases.”
Are the vaccines safe?
Meningococcal vaccines are considered safe and well tolerated.
When can my baby have a Meningococcal vaccine?
It is safe to give the vaccines to your child as early as 2 months of age. The earlier children are vaccinated, the sooner they are protected.
How do I find out what vaccinations would be suitable for my child?
To make an informed decision about Meningococcal vaccine and any other vaccines available, please discuss with your Doctor about options for vaccination and when these should be considered.