30 October 2017
Eastern Metropolitan teenagers urged to get free vaccination as meningococcal cases continue to rise in Victoria
With seven meningococcal cases diagnosed in the Eastern Metropolitan area this year, the Victorian Government is urging teenagers aged 15-19 years old to get the free vaccination ahead of summer.
The arrival of the warmer weather heralds the peak time for meningococcal disease which can be spread through close social contact such as kissing, coughing, or sneezing. Young people and smokers are particularly at risk of contracting the disease.
Protection against the deadly disease takes up to two weeks after receiving the vaccination and with summer fast approaching, young people aged 15-19 years old and parents of teenagers in this age group, are reminded to contact their GP or local council to receive the vaccination on offer until 31 December 2017.
Statewide, five people have died from meningococcal this year and 74 cases have been diagnosed (as at 27 October) compared to 52 cases for the same time last year and health experts predict this number will continue to rise.
So far this year, 49 cases in metropolitan Victoria have been diagnosed compared to 36 cases at the same time in 2016 and the Department of Health and Human Services figures reveal seven cases of meningococcal have been diagnosed in the Eastern Metropolitan area (as at 27 October 2017) which includes two cases diagnosed in Manningham, Whitehorse and the Yarra Ranges LGA; and one case diagnosed in the Knox LGA.
One in five young people in the 15-19 year age group carry the bacteria which can be easily passed on to other family members and friends.The best way to protect young people and the whole community is through the free and safe vaccination.
In 10 per cent of cases meningococcal diseaseproves to be fatal with death occurring within 24-48 hours of diagnosis. Of those who survive the disease, 20 per cent of people are left with a permanent disability such as brain damage or the loss of fingers, toes or limbs[1].
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy:
“Immunisation saves lives and protects others in the community. With the summer season rapidly approaching and bringing with it more chance for young people to get out and be social, eligible young people should take action and get the free meningococcal vaccine.
“If you are eligible, and you haven’t received it yet, get the free vaccine as soon as you can, whether it’s from the GP, at school or at a local council immunisation session.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Chief Health Officer, Dr Brett Sutton:
“We have seen a significant rise in meningococcal cases over the last 12 months with new strains of the disease causing serious illness and deaths across Victoria.
“It’s important to note that this free meningococcal vaccine is different to the one given to young children and protects against four strains of the deadly disease, which are all on the rise.”
More information about local immunisation initiatives are available on local council websites.
For health advice call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24, or call 000 in an emergency.
To find out more about meningococcal disease or the free vaccine program visit or follow Better Health Channel on social media.
Notes to editors:
- Meningococcal disease causes the inflammation of the membrane covering the brain
(meningitis), infection of the blood (septicaemia) and severe infections in joints, throat, lungs and intestines.
- The infection can develop quickly and can cause serious illness, permanent disability or
death.
- The disease is spread by close household or physical contact such as kissing.
- If the young person has already been immunised against meningococcal, the free
meningococcal ACWY vaccine will safelyboost the young persons’ protection against the Cstrain they had as a baby and will also protect against the A, W and Y strains.
- The meningococcal vaccine takes two weeks to take effect.
- For more information, visit the Better Health Channel at
Media inquiries:
Bram Alexander,
Department of Health & Human Services Media Unit,
(03) 9096 8803, 0412 260 811
e-mail:
[1]World Health Organisation “Meningococcal meningitis” Fact sheet no 141, Updated November 2015