Information of Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal Disease is a bacterial infection, which is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia.
About 1 in 10 cases results in death, and up to 20% of those who survive have long term effects including hearing loss, limb amputation and brain damage.
Different Meningococcal Disease
There are at least 13 known sero groups of meningococcal disease, and of these, sero-groups B & C account for more than 90% of all cases of meningococcal disease in Australia. There is no vaccine available for meningococcal sero-type B.
How is Meningococcal Disease spread?
Meningococcal C disease is spread through droplets or respiratory secretion or kissing.
Who is particularly at risk of Meningococcal C Disease?
All population groups are at risk but Meningococcal C disease occurs most commonly in infants and young children in the 0 - 4 age group and young adults between 15 - 24 years.
Meningococcal C Immunisation
The vaccine is not live and therefore a person cannot catch the disease from the vaccination.
Meningococcal C vaccination should not be given to a pregnant woman or one who is intending to become pregnant.
Possible side effects of Meningococcal C vaccine
Minor reactions may occur such as -- A local reaction around the injection site such as redness, itchiness, tenderness, pain or discomfort, warmth, burning, stinging or swelling.
- Headaches
- Aching muscles
- Generally feeling unwell
- Applying a cold, wet cloth to the injection site
- Taking or giving Paracetamol to reduce discomfort (note the recommended dose for age).
If reactions persist, are severe, or if you are worried, contact your local doctor or hospital.
Pre-Immunistion Checklist
- Have had any other immunisations in the last month.
- Are unwell on the day of immunisation.
- Have had a severe reaction to any vaccine.
- Have any severe allergies.
- Are taking steroids of any sort (for example, cortisone or prednisone).
- Have had immunoglobulin or a blood transfusion in the last three months.
- Have a disease or are having treatment which causes low immunity (for example, leukaemia, cancer, HIV/AIDS, radiotherapy or chemotherapy).
- Live with someone who has a disease or is having treatment which causes low immunity (for example, leukaemia, cancer, HIV/AIDS, radiotherapy or chemotherapy).
- Have a condition of the central nervous system which is still being investigated.
- Are Pregnant.
Your doctor or clinic staff should be told about these conditions because immunisation may need to be given differently.
Updated: 26 February 2009
[ Up: Immunisation | Forward: Immunisation - Frequently Asked Questions ]