‘Fully Immunised’ Criteria Expanded to Include Meningitis Vaccines

As of 1 July this year, the criteria for children to be considered ‘fully immunised’ will be expanded to include two children’s meningitis vaccines (meningococcal C and pneumococcal) to provide them with the maximum available protection against the disease.
With it being the peak season for meningococcal, it is a timely reminder to check children’s vaccinations and ensure they are up-to-date. Experts caution, however, that vigilance is still required and say that ‘fully immunised’ does not mean ‘fully protected’ as the scheduled vaccinations do not provide protection against all strains of meningococcal disease, such as meningococcal B, the most common strain of the disease.
As meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease, Meningococcal Australia is urging people to be are aware of the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease and go immediately to their nearest hospital or doctor if they are concerned.
Meningococcal disease is an acute bacterial infection which can cause death within hours if not recognised and treated promptly. The bacteria that cause meningococcal disease can be split into five main groups, A, B, C, W and Y.In Australia, there is currently no vaccination available to protect against the most common B strain.² The disease can appear as meningitis or septicaemia (blood poisoning), or both.⁴
Further information about meningococcal disease and Meningococcal Australia can be found at http://www.meningococcal.org.au