Meningococcal disease is any infection caused by bacteria (germs) called meningococci, also known as Neisseria meningitidis. Although meningococcal disease is uncommon, it is very serious. Immunisation can protect you and your child from the serious complications of infections caused by some of these bacteria. These include infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) or infection in the bloodstream (septicaemia).
In Victoria most disease was caused by two strains of meningococci known as serogroup B and serogroup C. Meningococcal C vaccines provide good protection against the serogroup C strain and widespread immunisation means that the strain that now causes almost all meningococcal disease in Victoria is the serogroup B strain.
There are no vaccines available in Australia to protect against serogroup B disease.
Meningococcal disease can be deadly
Meningococcal bacteria live naturally in the back of the nose and throat in about 10 per cent of the population without causing illness. People of any age can ‘carry’ the germs without becoming ill and carriers develop immunity to the strains they carry. Rarely, people who are infected with the bacteria may develop the disease before immunity develops.
Although meningococcal disease is uncommon, it is a very serious disease. The infection can develop very quickly and may cause death in about 10 per cent of cases. If infection is diagnosed early enough and the right antibiotics are given quickly, most people make a complete recovery.
How it is spread
The meningococcal bacteria are difficult to spread. They are only passed from person to person by regular, close, prolonged household and intimate contact with secretions from the back of the nose and throat. They cannot be picked up from water supplies, swimming pools, buildings or factories.
Some research shows that low levels of contact with an infected person’s saliva are unlikely to transmit meningococci bacteria. In fact, saliva has been shown to slow down the growth of meningococci.
The vaccine
There are two different types of serogroup C vaccines, known as ‘conjugate vaccines’ and ‘polysaccharide vaccines’.
The conjugate vaccines can be given to all people from 12 months of age. These protect against serogroup C disease and provide long-lasting immunity.
Since 2003, a single dose of conjugate meningococcal serogroup C vaccine has been offered free to all children in Australia on turning 12 months of age, along with their other routine immunisations. If your child was born in 2002 and has not received the vaccine, a ‘catch-up’ immunisation can be arranged with your health care provider.
Immunisation with the conjugate vaccine is also recommended (at a cost) for:
- Any person who has had previous meningococcal disease (including group C), if they have not been immunised before
- Any member of a household who is in close contact with someone who has contracted the disease
- Any person with a damaged (or no) spleen.
Before immunisation
Before receiving the vaccine, tell your doctor or nurse if you or your child:
- Has had any other meningococcal (polysaccharide) vaccines in the last six months
- Is unwell with a temperature over 38.5°C on the day of immunisation
- Has ever had a serious reaction to any vaccine or if they have allergies.
Possible side effects of the vaccine
Severe reactions to the conjugate vaccine are rare and are much less common than the effects that occur with the disease itself. Some people may experience a mild reaction to the vaccine and these may include:
- A mild temperature
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability or crying. Your child may appear generally unsettled
- Some swelling, soreness or redness at the injection site
- Headache (usually occurs in adolescents/adults).
There is a very small risk of a serious allergic reaction to any vaccine. It is important to stay at the clinic where the immunisation was given for 15 minutes after the immunisation.
Reducing the side effects
The side effects of immunisation can be reduced by:
- Drinking extra fluids
- Not overdressing
- Taking paracetamol to reduce fever – check the label for the correct dose (especially for children)
- Placing a cold, wet cloth over the sore injection spot.
If you are concerned about any reaction to the vaccine, contact your doctor or hospital.
Polysaccharide vaccines for travellers
Polysaccharide vaccines are also available (at a cost) and cover several serogroups not usually seen in Australia. They are useful for people travelling to places such as Africa and for pilgrims to the Hajj in Saudi Arabia, where these serogroups are more common. These vaccines cannot be given to children under the age of two and only provide protection for about three years.
Both vaccines for people at risk
People who are at risk of developing meningococcal disease should receive both the conjugate and polysaccharide meningococcal vaccines. These include:
- People with no spleen or a partly functioning spleen
- Laboratory staff who frequently handle the meningococcal bacteria.
What to do if you suspect meningococcal disease
If you think a person has symptoms that suggest meningitis or septicaemia, contact your doctor immediately, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are vital.
Where to get help
- In an emergency, always call triple zero (000) for an ambulance
- Your doctor
- Immunisation Program, Department of Health Victoria Tel. 1300 882 008
- Your local Maternal and Child Health centre
- Nurse-on-Call Tel. 1300 606 024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
- Emergency department of your local hospital
- National Immunisation Infoline Tel. 1800 671 811
Things to remember
- Meningococcal C vaccine provides good protection against serogroup C strain of meningococcal disease.
- There is no vaccine available in Australia for the meningococcal group B disease – this is the strain that causes almost all meningococcal disease in Victoria.
- It is important to go back to the doctor or hospital for immediate medical assistance if you are concerned.
You might also be interested in:
Immune system.
Immunisation - childhood.
Immunisation - common misconceptions.
Meningococcal disease.
Vaccines.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
| 
Home >
Fact sheets by category >
Diseases and conditions >
Infections >
Other conditions >
Meningococcal disease – ....
