Experts warn meningococcal group B meningitis and septicemia is increasing in China
An international group of expert scientists, doctors and public health officials has reported that cases of meningococcal group B meningitis and septicemia (MenB) are increasing in China, and have recommended that an effective MenB vaccination strategy should be in place in preparation for a potential outbreak of the disease. China /CIA There are several different […]
South Australian election 2018: SA Labor promises free meningococcal B vaccines
MENINGOCOCCAL B vaccinations would be free for all children under two, saving families up to $500 per child, under a Labor pledge. SA has among the highest rates of the illness in Australia. Premier Jay Weatherill said the vaccine would be made free if Labor wins the state election this month, making SA the only […]
Free vaccine for deadly disease extended in Kalgoorlie
The WA Country Health Service is extending its free meningococcal vaccination drive because about only half of the targeted Aboriginal children have received a jab. Three Aboriginal children have been diagnosed with meningococcal in Kalgoorlie since November last year, and cases across the State doubled in 2017 compared to 2016. Last year, WA had 46 […]
Mackay Qld, first meningococcal case since 2016
MACKAY Hospital and Health Services has recorded its first case of meningococcal disease since 2016, with a local male diagnosed in recent weeks. The diagnosis, one of six across Queensland so far this year, was made in the week of January 22. Public Health Physician Dr Steven Donohue said the patient, who lives in the […]
Men B Case in teenager in South Australia
A case of invasive meningococcal disease has been notified in a 16 year-old male from country South Australia, who has been admitted to hospital in a stable condition. The strain has been identified as serogroup B. SA Health has identified multiple people who had contact with the patient, of whom 13 people have been directed […]
Reminder to WA Parents to get FREE ACWY vaccine for 1-4 year olds after another meningococcal case
The Department of Health today reported that a young child is recovering in hospital after being diagnosed with serogroup W meningococcal disease. In the past two years, children aged under 5 years have comprised one third of all cases of meningococcal disease notified in WA, and around 70% of cases in young children have been […]
Protecting More Victorian Teens From Meningococcal
The Andrews Labor Government is extending a free meningococcal vaccination program so even more young Victorians can be protected against the deadly disease. This follows the inaction from the Turnbull Government which continues to shirk its responsibility leaving young people behind in the fight against this disease. Visiting Traralgon Secondary College, Minister for Health Jill […]
Quad-Strain Meningococcal Vaccine To Be Added To National Immunisation Program
To help protect our youngest Australians from the devastating consequences of meningococcal, the Turnbull Government will add a quad-strain vaccine to the National Immunisation Program (NIP). The new vaccine (Nimenrix) covers against A, C, W and Y strains (MenACWY) and will be added to the NIP ahead of the next peak meningococcal season which, based […]
WA again leads the way with meningococcal disease vaccinations
In an Australian-first, the McGowan Labor Government today announced all Western Australian children aged one to four years will have access to a free meningococcal ACWY vaccine. Meningococcal disease is an uncommon, but sometimes life-threatening illness. At any one time, about 10 per cent of healthy people carry meningococcal bacteria harmlessly in their nose or […]
2 more meningococcal cases hit WA
The Department of Health today reported that an infant is recovering in hospital after being diagnosed with meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease is an uncommon, life-threatening illness caused by a bacterial infection of the blood and/or the membranes that line the spinal cord and brain, and occasionally of other sites, such as the throat or large […]
