Clinical update: ATAGI statement on the introduction of meningococcal ACWY vaccine (Nimenrix®)

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has provided a statement on the introduction of meningococcal ACWY vaccine (Nimenrix®) for adolescents through the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

Overview of key points:

• From April 2019, adolescents will be offered the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (Nimenrix®) protecting against serogroups A, C, W and Y as a single dose.
  • Year 10 students (aged approximately 14 to 16 years) will be offered the vaccine through school-based immunisation programs.
  • Catch-up vaccination will be available for adolescents aged 15 to 19 years through their GP or primary care provider.
• For people who have a condition associated with an increased risk of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), for example, patients with functional or anatomical asplenia or complement disorder, additional doses of MenACWY vaccine may be required. However, these doses are not currently funded through the NIP.
• The adolescent program complements the MenACWY vaccine program on the NIP for infants aged 12 months.
• Meningococcal B vaccines are also available through private prescription to anyone aged ≥6 weeks who wants to reduce their likelihood of becoming ill with meningococcal B disease.

Please see ATAGI’s statement on the introduction of meningococcal ACWY vaccine (Nimenrix®) for adolescents through the NIP in full.