Meningococcal vaccination
Meningococcal vaccination depends on age, medical risk and travel
What it is, and why it matters
Meningococcal bacteria can cause meningitis and bloodstream infection. Serious disease can progress quickly, including in people who were previously well.
Seek urgent medical help for rapidly worsening illness, fever with severe headache or neck stiffness, unusual drowsiness, breathing difficulty or a concerning rash. Do not wait for a rash to appear. Call 000 for a medical emergency.
How meningococcal vaccination works
Meningococcal vaccination covers different groups of the bacteria. Vaccination against groups A, C, W and Y does not cover group B.
Recommendations depend on age, immune conditions, exposure and travel. The clinician checks which course is indicated and whether it is funded.
Individual assessment. This general information does not determine which vaccination is suitable for you. Your clinician discusses the available options, benefits, risks, timing and funding before you decide.
Funding and eligibility for meningococcal vaccination
Anchored to the National Immunisation Program schedule and ATAGI advice. Your immuniser confirms your eligibility at the pre-vaccination consultation.
Children at 12 months and adolescents in the routine program
Vaccination against groups A, C, W and Y is included, subject to Medicare and catch-up criteria.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under 2
Group B vaccination is funded under the childhood program, subject to program criteria.
People with specified medical risk conditions
Group B and groups A, C, W and Y vaccination may be funded for specified conditions, including particular spleen or immune disorders. The clinician checks the exact criteria.
Other children, adolescents, young adults and travellers
Some groups are recommended vaccination or may consider it after risk assessment. A recommendation does not establish funding.
Doses and timing
Schedules below reflect typical recommendations. Your immuniser will confirm exactly what applies to you, including any catch-up doses and co-administration with other vaccines.
- The number of doses and intervals depend on age, the groups being covered, previous vaccination and medical risk.
- Routine vaccination against groups A, C, W and Y is scheduled at 12 months and in the adolescent school program. Catch-up eligibility has age limits.
- Group B courses and risk-based booster schedules need individual planning. Parents should obtain age-specific advice about managing fever after vaccination.
What to expect
- Injection-site discomfort, fever, headache and tiredness can occur. Fever is more common in young children after some meningococcal vaccinations.
- A severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or relevant component requires specialist assessment. Stay for the recommended observation period, usually at least 15 minutes.
Precautions
- Tell the immuniser about previous serious reactions, medicines, immune conditions, pregnancy and any current illness before vaccination.
- Vaccination does not replace urgent assessment of symptoms or public health advice after close contact with a case. Contact management may involve additional treatment.
Benefits, limitations and individual advice
Vaccination reduces disease caused by the covered meningococcal groups. It does not protect against every cause of meningitis or bloodstream infection, and urgent symptoms still need medical assessment.
FAQs about meningococcal vaccination
Does my school vaccination cover every meningococcal group?
No. The routine Victorian adolescent program covers groups A, C, W and Y. Group B is a separate discussion and is not universally funded for adolescents.
Do I need a booster?
That depends on medical risk, travel requirements, the previous vaccine and when it was given. Bring your record for an individual check.
Should I wait for a rash before seeking help?
No. Serious meningococcal disease can occur without a rash. Seek urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening illness.
Primary references
Book your meningococcal vaccination
Contact the pharmacy to check service availability, suitability and booking options.
You might also be interested in
Influenza vaccination
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended from 6 months of age
Learn moreCOVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19 vaccination advice depends on age, health and previous vaccination
Learn moreMMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination
Victorian adult funding, record review and appointment preparation
Learn more