Meningococcal vaccination
Protects against rapidly fatal meningitis and bloodstream infection
What it is, and why it matters
Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. Several strains cause disease — A, B, C, W and Y are the most clinically important. Disease can take the form of meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord lining) or septicaemia (bloodstream infection), and can progress from first symptoms to death within hours.
Meningococcal disease is uncommon in Australia (around 100–150 invasive cases per year), but case fatality is around 5–10% even with rapid antibiotic treatment, and survivors often have permanent disabilities including limb amputations, brain injury or hearing loss. Adolescents and infants are at highest risk.
How meningococcal vaccination works
Two distinct vaccines are used in Australia: a quadrivalent conjugate vaccine covering strains A, C, W and Y (often called "ACWY"), and a separate recombinant vaccine targeting strain B. Both are non-live.
The B vaccine has been associated with mild post-vaccination fever in young children — paracetamol is sometimes given prophylactically. Co-administration schedules are well-established.
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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
Free ACWY conjugate vaccine under the NIP.
Year 10 students
Free ACWY conjugate booster delivered through the school program.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, B strain
Free B vaccine under the NIP for ATSI infants.
People with eligible medical-risk conditions, B strain
Free B vaccine for asplenia, complement deficiency and certain other conditions.
B-strain protection for everyone else
Recommended for university students, military recruits and anyone wanting maximum protection — private cost.
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.
- ACWY conjugate: routine dose at 12 months and a booster in Year 10.
- B strain: typically 2–3 doses depending on age at start.
- Co-administration with other routine vaccines is established and safe.
What to expect
- Sore arm at the injection site.
- Fever common in young children after the B vaccine — paracetamol may be advised.
- Headache and tiredness for a day.
Precautions
- A previous severe allergic reaction to a meningococcal vaccine is a contraindication.
- Defer if febrile above 38.5°C; mild colds are not a reason to delay.
How well the vaccine works
The ACWY conjugate vaccine produces protective antibody levels in over 90% of recipients. The B vaccine is around 80–90% effective against vaccine-covered strains in clinical and post-marketing studies.
FAQs about meningococcal vaccination
My child is starting university — should they have a meningococcal booster?
University students living in shared accommodation are at higher risk than the general population. If they had their Year 10 ACWY booster they're still well-protected; consider adding the B vaccine privately if they didn't have it as an infant. Speak to your immuniser.
Why are A, C, W, Y given together but B separately?
They're different vaccine technologies. The ACWY conjugate vaccine works because the bacterial sugars from those strains can be conjugated to a carrier protein. Strain B requires a different approach — a protein subunit vaccine — which is why it's a separate product.
How quickly does meningococcal disease progress?
It can progress from first symptoms to severe illness within 12–24 hours. Any unwell person with high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness or a non-blanching rash should seek emergency care urgently.
Book your meningococcal vaccination
Walk in seven days a week, or book a guaranteed time online via Priceline.
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