Fighting meningococcal disease

For the first time, Australia’s leading meningitis and meningococcal organisations will unite to warn all Australians to protect themselves against meningococcal disease in the lead up to the peak infection season.

Prompted by the release of the latest Australian figures on meningococcal disease, the call to action will encourage adults to remain vigilant in the fight against meningococcal disease and launch the most up-to-date resources to combat the condition. Including:

• The latest statistics and figures regarding meningococcal disease in Australia, focusing on the need for all Australians to protect themselves – particularly young adults through increased education and vigilant vaccination;
• The world’s first complete educational package on meningococcal disease, entitled Fighting Meningococcal Disease – an Australian initiative, including video, DVD, companion brochure, poster and website (Meningococcal Education) – universally endorsed by leading support and education groups in Australia, the US, Canada and the UK, and;

In 2003 the Australian Federal Government began rolling-out its national immunisation plan to protect 1-19 year olds against the deadly meningococcal C strain. Vaccines are available for meningococcal disease strains A, C, Y and W135.

While the development of ‘long-lasting’ conjugate vaccines against the C-strain have heralded a new era in meningococcal protection, these vaccines do not protect against the other strains. There is currently no vaccine against meningococcal B strain and people should remain vigilant for symptoms of disease.

The information provided in this article is intended as a guide only. Always consult your doctor if you or your child is suffering any medical complaint. Any websites referred to by Australian Family contain information moderated by government and medical institutions or organisations.

This article was first published in Australian Family Magazine, July 2003. Updated July 2009.