Meningococcal: What You Need to Know
Every Second Counts.
What is Meningococcal
Meningitis means inflammation of the membranes ‘meninges’ which is the lining of the brain and spine. Meningococcal is a life-threatening disease and is the term used to describe two major illnesses Meningitis and Septicaemia caused by Meningococcal bacteria that enters the body.
The Facts
1 in 10 people
who contract Meningococcal will die.
1 in 4 survivors
will have disabilities like blindness, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, seizures, deafness, intellectual disabilities, limb loss, psychological trauma and skin scarring.
Know
the signs and symptoms.
ACT
Immediately! Symptoms can appear fast and progress quickly, trust your instincts. Go to hospital. Every second counts.
VAX
Full vaccination is the most effective protection against Meningococcal.
Learn about Oliver’s and others stories
What is Meningococcal?
Meningococcal is a deadly disease that can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime — and may cause death or permanent disability in under 24 hours.
How is Meningococcal spread?
The bacteria are spread through close contact, such as coughing, sneezing, or sharing food and drinks. Also vapes, lipsticks, cigarettes, and deep kissing are other ways of increasing the spread.
Who is at Risk?
Anyone can get Meningococcal, but some groups are at higher risk:
- Babies and young children
- Teenagers and young adults
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies and teens
- People with certain medical conditions that weaken the immune system
What are the five Main types of Meningococcal?
The main types are A, C, W, Y and B.
Are there vaccines / needles available?
Yes. There are two different types of needles you need.
- Meningococcal ACWY needle: Protects against types A, C, W, and Y.
- Meningococcal B needle: Protects against type B.
Are the vaccines/needles FREE?
Yes — the Meningococcal ACWY needle (protects against types A, C, W, and Y) is free.
No — the Meningococcal B needle (protects against type B) isn’t free in some states like Western Australia.
However, it is free in some states so view the map below to find out if yours is one of them!
Who can get the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine?
The ACWY vaccine / needle is free for
- Babies at 12 months
- Teens in Year 9 – 10
- People with certain medical conditions
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies and teens
Who Can Get the Meningococcal B Vaccine?
The Meningococcal B vaccine isn’t free everywhere. For example, in Western Australia, families still must pay for it out of their own pocket.
But in some states — like South Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland — it’s free for babies and teens.
It’s also free for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies and teens and people with medical conditions that affect their immune system, no matter where they live.
Check with your doctor, pharmacist, or local community health centre to find out more.
What are the signs and Symptoms?
Signs and symptoms can appear in any order — or not at all. They often come on suddenly and can get worse fast.
Do not wait for the rash, it is often last to appear or doesn’t appear at all.
What If I think it’s Meningococcal?
Every second counts.
If you suspect meningococcal, ACT fast — go straight to the hospital or your doctor.
If your child gets sent home and keeps getting worse, trust your instincts and go back to the doctor or hospital immediately.
Always ask: “Could it be Meningococcal?”
Why should I vaccinate?
Vaccination is the best way to protect against meningococcal.
How do I know if I’m vaccinated?
You can check your records through your MyGov account, or visit your doctor, pharmacist, or local community health centre to ask.
How can I check if I’m up to date with my vaccines/needles?
If you or your child have missed any needles, visit your doctor, pharmacist, or local community health centre — you can get a free catch-up needle.
Are there any side effects from the vaccine?
Most side effects are mild, such as:
Soreness at the injection site
Mild fever
Severe reactions are rare. If you have any concerns, visit your doctor, pharmacist, or local community health centre.
Meningococcal B
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FAQs
What is Meningococcal?
Meningococcal is a deadly disease that can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime — and may cause death or permanent disability in under 24 hours.
How many types of meningococcal are there in Australia?
There are five types. A, C, W, Y, and then there’s B.
Are there vaccines to protect against meningococcal?
Yes! There are two different types of vaccines:
The ACWY vaccine protects against types A, C, W, and Y.
The B vaccine protects against type B.
Do I need both vaccines to be fully protected?
Yes. To be protected against all common types, you need both the ACWY vaccine and the B vaccine.
Are meningococcal vaccines free?
Some meningococcal vaccines are free for certain groups and states, but not all.
The ACWY vaccine (protects against types A, C, W, and Y) is free across Australia for babies and high school teens.
The B vaccine (protects against type B) is free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies and teens and for people with certain medical conditions.
In some states — like South Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory — it’s also free for babies and teens.
Other states, like Western Australia, the Meningococcal B vaccine is not free and must be paid for privately.
How is meningococcal spread?
It spreads through close contact — like coughing, sneezing, sharing drinks or food, kissing, or sharing things like vapes, lipsticks, or cigarettes.
Who is most at risk?
Anyone can get meningococcal, but some groups have a higher risk, including:
- Babies and young children
- Teenagers and young adults
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies and teens
- People with certain medical conditions or weakened immune systems
What are the signs and symptoms?
Symptoms can appear in any order — or not at all.
They often come on suddenly and get worse quickly.
Don’t wait for a rash! It’s often the last sign or may not appear at all.
What should I do if I think it’s meningococcal?
Every second counts!
Trust your instincts — Go straight to the hospital or your doctor.
If you’re sent home, and your child continues to get worse, go straight to the hospital. Trust your instincts!
Always ask: “Could it be meningococcal?”
Why should I get vaccinated?
Vaccination is the proven best way to protect yourself from meningococcal.
How do I check if I’m vaccinated?
You can check your vaccination record through your MyGov account or by asking your doctor, pharmacist, or local health centre.
What if I missed a vaccine?
You can catch up! Visit your doctor, pharmacist, or health centre — free catch-up vaccines are available.
Are there any side effects from the vaccines?
Most side effects are mild, such as:
- Soreness where you had the injection
- Mild fever
Severe reactions are rare. If you’re worried, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
My child has been vaccinated at school, are they fully covered?
Only if they’ve had both the ACWY vaccination and the B vaccination.
In your state you may have to pay for the B vaccination, like in Western Australia.
View the map below to find out if your state offers the vaccine for free!
What is Meningococcal?
Meningococcal is a serious disease that can strike anyone, anytime, anywhere, and may cause death or permanent disability in under 24 hours.
How many types are there?
There are five types of Meningococcal — A, C, W, Y, and B.
Can I get a needle to protect me?
Luckily, there are needles to protect you.
How many needles are there?
There are 2 different needles for different types of Meningococcal.
One needle protects you against types A, C, W, and Y (called the ACWY types).
A separate needle protects you against type B (Meningococcal B).
You need both needles to be fully protected.
Can I get the ACWY needle for free?
Yes. The ACWY needle is free for bubs at 12 months and for young fellas in high school.
Can I get the Meningococcal B needle for free?
Yes. The Meningococcal B needle is also free for our bubs and young fellas in high school, and it’s just as important.
How do I know if I’ve had my needles?
Check your MyGov account, or ask your doctor, pharmacist, or local community health centre to make sure you’ve had all your needles.
What if you or your bub missed a needle?
Visit your doctor, pharmacist, or community health centre and they’ll get you all caught up with your free needle.
What should you do if you think you or your mob has meningococcal?
Trust your gut. Know the signs, act fast, and go straight to hospital.
How can I protect myself and my mob?
Make sure you’ve had your needles — they’re the best way to keep meningococcal away from you and your mob. Make sure you know your signs and symptoms so you can act fast if you need too.
