Date published:
18 April 2019
Intended audience:
General public
Meningococcal disease occurs when meningococcal bacteria, invades the body and causes serious disease.
Although the majority of people will recover if the infection is diagnosed early, the disease can cause complications that may result in permanent disabilities through loss of limbs, deafness, blindness, scarring, kidney or liver failure and sometimes, it can even cause death.
Adolescents from 15 years of age are at increased risk of meningococcal disease and are more likely to spread the bacteria to others.
The meningococcal ACWY vaccine provides protection against four types of meningococcal disease, including two types which have become more common in Australia in recent years, caused by the type W and Y bacteria.
From 1 April 2019, the vaccine will be provided free to:
• Year 10 students (aged 14–16 years) through school- based immunisation programs
• Adolescents aged 15 to 19 years, who missed receiving the vaccine at school, through their GP or primary care provider.
Find out more about the adolescent meningococcal ACWY vaccine:
• Meningococcal ACWY vaccine – animation for students
• Meningococcal ACWY vaccine – personal story video for parents
• Meningococcal ACWY vaccine – consumer brochure.
Find out more about meningococcal disease and the meningococcal ACWY vaccine provided through the National Immunisation Program.
