Meningococcal Disease on the rise in Australia

Free vaccine for teens in WA


Article heading image for Meningococcal Disease on the rise in Australia

Federal Member for Forrest, Nola Marino has welcomed the Morrison Government  investment of  $52 million to protect Australian teenagers, including those in the South West, against meningococcal, with the launch of a new free national program for 14 to 19 year olds.

Ms Marino said, “Over 1 million teenagers will receive the free meningococcal A, C, W and Y vaccine, over the next four years. “

Meningococcal is a rare but very serious infection that occurs when meningococcal bacteria from the throat or nose invades the body. The consequences are devastating for individuals and their families.

“In recent years we have seen a rise in the number of invasive meningococcal disease cases in Australia. In 2017, there were 382 cases reported nationally, compared with 252 cases in 2016 and 182 cases in 2015. Deaths associated with meningococcal disease have also risen.”

Get the facts about immunisation by visiting: health.gov.au/immunisation

 

8 October 2018




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