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MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINE


Sep 6, 2017

Free Meningcoccal Vaccine for 15-19 year olds in Victoria


Meningococcal disease can quickly disable or kill you.

Survivors often lose fingers, toes or limbs.  The infection can develop very quickly.  Invasive meningococcal disease causes death in about five to 10 per cent of cases.

 

Deadly strains of the disease, not previously common in Victoria, are on the rise.

There were 48 cases of the "W" strain in 2016, up from just one in 2013.  Cases of the 'Y" strain are also increasing.

 

15 - 19 year olds are at risk.

Meningococcal disease is most commonly carried by this age group.  To get the vaccine at school 15 - 17 year olds need consent from a parent or guardian.  Eighteen and 19 year olds can provide their own consent.

 

You can protect yourself and those around you.

Getting the vaccination is the right thing to do for your friends, family and community.

 

The vaccine is safe and effective and protects against the newly common strains.

The free Meningococcal vaccine will safely boost a young persons' protection against C strains they may have had as a baby and will also protect against the A, W and Y strains.

 

The vaccine is free for 15 - 19 year olds for a limited time.

Available at school or at the doctor until 31 December 2017.  Return the immunisation consent card sent home from secondary school or talk to your GP or local council.

 

For more information:

Eligible young people and parents/carers: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/menvax

For schools: www.immunehero.health.vic.gov.au

For immunisation providers: https//www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/immunisation/vaccination-adolescents/meningococcal-acwy

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