On the Coast – Families Issue 94 I June/July 2018 | Page 21
Different types of
meningococcal bacteria
There are different sub-groups of
meningococcal bacteria , types A, B, C, W
and Y. The prevalence of these strains
fluctuates over time,
The incidence of Men C has become
very rare (currently 1.2% of cases) since the
introduction of the vaccine to the National
Immunisation Programme in 2003.
In recent years Men W and Y have
become the more common strains
causing invasive meningococcal disease.
This is happening overseas also.
Vaccinations.
It is important to know, all of the
meningococcal strains currently
circulating Australia are potentially
preventable with a vaccine.
It is a complicated subject, and there
have been some significant changes this
year.
Meningococcal C
Immunisation against Men C is available
for free at 12 months of age, and has
been since 2003. This has been a very
successful programme and continues to
keep the numbers of Men C disease at a
very low level. This will be discontinued
later this year, and Men A C W Y will be
offered in its place.
Meningococcal A C W Y
This is a new addition to the National
Immunisation programme, introduced
for adolescents last year, and to babies 12
months of age, this year.
Men W causes a more severe illness, in
higher numbers, than any other strain
currently. Without intervention, it is
predicted cases will continue to rise. Some
of the highest rates of carriers and illness
are among adolescents and young adults.
Initial action is targeting this group, with
immunisation experts believing this will
also reduce transmission to other groups,
including young children.
In 2018 a single dose of ACWY
vaccine is being offered to all students
in years 10 and 11. Those who miss out
will be able to be vaccinated at their GP.
This is similar to a large scale program
that has been running in the UK since
2015, and in the US since 2005.
Very recently, the Australian Minister
for Health announced that Men ACWY
(Nimenrix) will be offered to children
at 12 months, the details are yet to be
confirmed, but we believe it could be as
early as July 2018. Nimenrix has very
good safety data, offering good protection
and minimal side effects.
The Men A C W Y is also suggested
for those with weak immune systems, or
thos e travelling to Sub-Saharan Africa.
Please talk to your GP or immunisation
provider if you feel you may need it.
Meningococcal B Vaccine
Immunisation against Men B (commonly
a vaccine called Bexsero) is available on
private prescription and is
recommended for :-
Signs and symptoms can
appear very quickly and
people with meningococcal
can get much worse
within a few hours.
infants and young children,
especially those under 2 years old
adolescents aged 15-19
children and adults with certain
conditions affecting their immune
system (such as HIV, poorly
functioning spleen, complement
component disorder).
Men B has not become part of the
government funded vaccination
program, the illness caused by the
current Men B strain is not as aggressive
as others, and even with no widespread
immunisation, the number of Men B
cases in Australia are falling.
It is recommended to give paracetamol
with every dose of Men B vaccine as it is
known to cause high fever. The first dose
should be given 30 minutes before, with
two more doses given 6 hours apart.
Talk to your doctor about your needs
The immunisations you need are
determined by your health, age, lifestyle
and occupation. Please talk to your
doctor or immunisation provider if you
are not sure if you, or someone in your
care, needs immunisation.
Sam enjoys all aspects of general practice and has been working at Your Family Doctors at Erina for
9 years. The practice has lovely new rooms and a fabulous team of Doctors and Nurses. They pride
themselves on delivering good quality health care, with that special personal touch. For more information
call 43654999, check the website www.yourfamilydoctors.com.au or like them on facebook.
JUNE/JULY – ISSUE 94
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