Free meningococcal vaccine extended by one year for 45% of children yet to be protected

Children aged one to four will be able to receive a free meningococcal vaccination for a further year, after the state government extended its subsidy program.

The vaccination protects against the ACWY strains of the disease which was present in 36 cases reported this year, 17 of which were in children aged four and under.

Health Minister Roger Cook said in Western Australia only 55 per cent of children aged one to year had received the free ACWY vaccine.

“It’s great that over 76,000 children aged one to four have received a free ACWY meningococcal vaccine, but we still have 45 per cent of children aged under five who are not vaccinated,” he said.

“We are extending the vaccination program to give parents extra time to get their children vaccinated, but this is not something that should be put off.

“Meningococcal disease is deadly, and I ask parents to take advantage of this extended program and ensure their children are protected against this disease.”

B strand vaccinations are not covered under the program, with parents having to pay about $65 to access the vaccine privately.

Babies are vaccinated against meningococcal C strand as part of their 12-month old immunisations.

Teens receive a free ACWY vaccination through school or university between the ages of 15 and 19.

Children and adults who do not fall in the correct age ranges for a free ACWY vaccination can access the vaccine privately through their GP for around $140.

Symptoms of meningococcal disease include high fever, chills, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, confusion and joint pain.

Young children may have a fever, appear lethargic, have a pale or blotchy complexion or a rash or be vomiting.