Meningococcal Vaccine in Point Cook
Meningococcal disease is rare, but it can cause severe scarring, loss of limbs, brain damage and death. Five types, A, B, C, W and Y, cause most cases, and no single vaccine covers them all. Juniper Avenue Medical Centre in Point Cook gives the meningococcal vaccine to babies, teenagers and adults, and a GP can explain which one suits your situation.
Two kinds of meningococcal vaccine
MenACWY vaccines protect against types A, C, W and Y, and three brands are available. The MenB vaccine protects against type B, and Bexsero is the only brand currently registered in Australia. Many people need both to be covered against the five main types.
Free meningococcal vaccines on the NIP
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) funds MenACWY for:
- all children at 12 months
- teenagers aged 14 to 16, mainly through the school program, with catch-up from 15 for those who missed it
- anyone from 2 months with certain medical conditions
MenB is free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children at 2, 4 and 12 months (plus 6 months with certain conditions) and for anyone from 2 months with eligible medical conditions. People under 20 can catch up on missed free doses. For everyone else, the vaccine itself may need to be bought, so ask reception about the cost.
Who else is advised to have it
The Australian Immunisation Handbook says anyone from 6 weeks of age who wants to lower their risk can have both vaccines. It specifically recommends:
- teenagers aged 15 to 19: one MenACWY dose and two MenB doses
- people aged 15 to 24 living in close quarters, such as students in residential halls and new military recruits
- young adults who smoke
- travellers to the African meningitis belt or mass gatherings such as the Hajj, where Saudi Arabia requires proof of MenACWY
Travellers can combine this with a travel immunisation appointment.
Medical conditions that raise the risk
Extra doses, and later boosters, are recommended for people with:
- complement deficiencies, or complement inhibitor treatment such as eculizumab
- no working spleen, including sickle cell disease
- HIV
- a haematopoietic stem cell transplant
Healthy people who complete a course do not need boosters.
Side effects, including fever in babies
Expect a sore, red or swollen arm or leg, sometimes a lump that lasts weeks, mild fever, headache (mostly in older children and adults), poor appetite or an unsettled baby. Fever is more common after MenB in children under two, and paracetamol is recommended with each of those doses; the nurse will explain how to give it. The vaccines are not generally recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Know the signs of meningococcal disease
Sudden fever, headache, a stiff neck, dislike of bright light, vomiting, cold hands and drowsiness can all be signs. A rash of red or purple spots that does not fade when pressed with a glass is a late sign and may never appear. Because vaccines do not cover every type, call 000 or go to an emergency department straight away if you suspect it.
Having a meningococcal vaccine in Point Cook
You can book online or call and mention the meningococcal vaccine when you book. Childhood and adult immunisations are bulk billed with all our doctors, and other fees are on the fees page. See also our child immunisation page.
Common questions
My teenager had the school vaccine. Are they fully covered?
The school dose is MenACWY only. MenB is a separate vaccine, recommended for 15 to 19 year olds and bought privately unless they have an eligible medical condition.
Does my baby need MenB if we are not Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?
It is recommended for all children under two, but funded only for some groups, so your GP can discuss cost and timing.
Can these vaccines be given with the routine baby needles?
Yes. MenB can be given with other routine vaccines, though babies are more likely to get a fever when they are given together. It can instead be given at least 3 days apart, so ask the nurse which suits your child.