(VIS) ‘What is meningococcal disease?’
Doctor Ketaki Sharma: Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection. It spreads from person to person through close and prolonged contact, for example, between people who are living together or through kissing. It can cause sepsis, which is blood infection, and meningitis, which is inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It is a serious infection and requires emergency medical attention. 5 to 10% of people with meningococcal disease will die, even with rapid treatment. Complications of meningococcal disease are common and include limb deformity, skin scarring, deafness, and neurological deficits. Children younger than 2 years have the highest incidence of meningococcal disease. Adolescents and young adults are also at increased risk compared to the rest of the population.
(VIS) ‘What happens if my child gets meningococcal?’
Doctor Sharma: The symptoms of meningococcal disease can vary from person to person depending on whether they have sepsis or meningitis. Children with sepsis might have fever and a rash with bruises, and they might be drowsy. Children with meningitis might have fever, headache, vomiting, irritability, drowsiness, or a stiff neck. Some people also have cold like symptoms initially. If your child has concerning symptoms, go to the emergency department urgently or call triple zero. Early treatment can prevent severe complications such as loss of limbs, loss of hearing or vision, or brain damage.
(VIS) ‘What vaccine will protect my child?’
Doctor Sharma: There are different meningococcal disease vaccines available in Australia. The vaccine funded under the National Immunisation Program at 12 months and 14 to 16 years of age, is a combination vaccine that protects against 4 strains of the bacteria. These are called A, C, W, and Y. Parents can talk to their immunisation provider about recommendations for other meningococcal vaccines.
(VIS) 'How does the vaccine work?’
Doctor Sharma: The meningococcal vaccine on the National Immunisation Program provides immunity to meningococcal strains A, C, W, and Y to help prevent your child from getting the disease. It contains inactive proteins from the bacteria to train your child's immune system to recognise and fight the infection. Over 97% of children who receive a single dose of the ACWY vaccine at 12 months of age will develop a protective immune response. The vaccines do not protect against all strains of the bacteria. Therefore, there is still a possibility of contracting the disease.
(VIS) ‘What are the common reactions or side effects?’
Doctor Sharma: Some children experience mild side effects. Common reactions include swelling, redness or pain at the injection site. They can also develop a mild fever and appear unsettled. Serious side effects are extremely rare.
(VIS) ‘What impact has vaccination had on the prevalence of the disease?’
Doctor Sharma: Since we started vaccinating against meningococcal disease in 2003, it has significantly reduced the number of cases in Australia. Cases have further reduced since the combination ACWY vaccine was introduced in 2017.
(VIS) ‘Where to find more information’
(VIS) ‘Always talk to your health professional if you have any questions about childhood vaccinations. For more information, visit Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation at skai.org.au/childhood’
In this video, Dr Ketaki Sharma shares how you can protect your child from meningococcal strains ACWY with free vaccines available under the National Immunisation Program.