Clinical update: Adolescent meningococcal ACWY vaccine

From 1 April 2019, a single dose of the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (Nimenrix®) protecting against serogroups A, C W and Y will be provided free to:

• Year 10 students (aged approximately 14 to 16 years) through school-based vaccination programs as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
• Adolescents aged 15 to 19 years who missed receiving the vaccine at school through their GP or primary care provider through an ongoing catch up program.

Meningococcal disease is a serious illness caused by meningococcal bacteria that can cause disability and death. In Australia, the five most common types (or serogroups) of meningococcal bacteria found are A, B, C, W and Y. Septicaemia and/or meningitis are the most common clinical manifestations of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD)
The highest incidence of IMD is in children aged <2 years and adolescents aged 15–19 years. Carriage rates of the bacteria are highest in older adolescents and young adults.  Vaccinating populations with high carriage rates is critical to achieve protection of the community more broadly 

To support GP’s and other vaccination providers with the introduction of the adolescent meningococcal ACWY vaccine, a range of resources have been developed which provide information on: how the program will be implemented; recommendations for people who have received other meningococcal vaccines throughout childhood; and contraindications and indications for the vaccine. 

Clinical resources for health care providers:

Promotional resources for consumers: 

Find out more about meningococcal disease and the meningococcal ACWY vaccine provided through the National Immunisation Program.