What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious infection. It usually causes meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord) and/or sepsis.
Symptoms may include:
- sudden fever
- headache
- stiff neck
- joint pain
- red-purple rash or bruises
- sensitivity to bright lights
- nausea and vomiting
Up to 10% of meningococcal infections can be fatal, even with appropriate antibiotic treatment. Survivors may be
left with long-term complications.
How is meningococcal disease spread?
Meningococcal bacteria are passed between people in the saliva from the nose and throat. This generally requires close and long contact with a person carrying the bacteria who is usually completely well. An example of ‘close and long contact’ is living in the same household or deep kissing. Meningococcal bacteria do not spread easily and do not live long outside the body.
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines help your immune system fight infections. If a vaccinated person gets exposed to these infections, their
immune system can fight it better, either preventing the disease developing or making it less severe.
How effective is the meningococcal ACWY vaccine?
One dose of the meningococcal ACWY vaccine is very effective against four types of meningococcal disease (types A, C, W and Y). It does not protect against type B disease.
Who should get the vaccine?
All Year 10 students 14 years and older in secondary schools and/or those aged 15-19 should get this vaccine to protect against meningococcal types A, C, W, and Y.
Who should not get the vaccine?
Meningococcal ACWY vaccine should not be given to people who:
- are or may be pregnant
- have had anaphylaxis following a previous dose of meningococcal vaccine
- have had anaphylaxis following any of the vaccine additives
- have known hypersensitivity to tetanus toxoid.
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause unconsciousness or death if not treated quickly. It is very rare after vaccines. Immunisation providers are trained to treat anaphylaxis.
How safe are vaccines?
Vaccines used in Australia are safe and must pass strict safety testing before being approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). In addition, the TGA monitors the safety of vaccines once they are in use.
What is in the meningococcal ACWY vaccine?
The vaccine may contain trometamol, sucrose, sodium chloride, sodium acetate, and water. These ingredients areadded in tiny amounts to help the vaccine work or preserve it.
Hasn’t my child already received the meningococcal ACWY vaccine? Is it safe to get it again?
The meningococcal ACWY vaccine has been offered to children aged 12 months since July 2018. Your child may have had a meningococcal C vaccine before. That vaccine only protects against meningococcal C disease.
In some countries, a booster shot for adolescents is recommended. This ACWY vaccine provides protection against meningococcal C, as well as A, W, and Y.
Some adolescents with certain health conditions (such as no spleen or immune deficiency) might have already had this vaccine. If so, please check with your GP or specialist to see if your child needs another dose.
Who else should get this vaccine?
This vaccine is recommended for:
- people traveling to areas with a high risk of meningococcal disease, such as the Hajj
- certain workers, like microbiology lab staff
- people with medical conditions, such as those without a spleen
What are the other indications for this vaccine?
This vaccine is also recommended for people planning travel involving a greater risk of exposure to meningococcal disease, including the Hajj. The vaccine is also recommended for certain occupations, such as microbiology laboratory staff, and for people with certain medical conditions, such as not having a spleen.
What are the side effects of meningococcal ACWY vaccine?
Side effects are usually mild. They may include:
- fever
- headache
- dizziness
- pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
These side effects typically go away within 2–3 days. Serious side effects are very rare.
For more details about side effects, visit
NSW School Vaccination Program and check the Consumer Medicines Information (CMI).
If you are worried about side effects, contact your GP. They can also report any concerns to the local public health unit.
How can I get a record of my child’s vaccinations?
Your child’s vaccination details will be added to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
Parents can get a copy of their child’s Immunisation History Statement until the child turns 14. Students aged 14 and older can get their own record. You can access it:
- through your Medicare online account at myGov
- using the Medicare Express Plus App at Medicare Express Plus App
- by calling the AIR General Enquiries Line on 1800 653 809.
Who can give consent for vaccination, and can it be
withdrawn?
Parents or guardians must give consent for students under 18. Students aged 18 or older can give their own consent. They should fill out and sign the Consent Form where it says ‘Parent/Guardian.’
You can withdraw consent at any time. To do this, send a written note to the school or call the school to let them know.
Can a pregnant student get the vaccine?
No. A student who is pregnant or thinks she might be should not get the vaccine.
On the vaccination day, nurses will ask female students if they are or might be pregnant. If a student says yes, she will not get the vaccine. She will be told to talk to her parent or guardian and see a doctor. She will also get contact details for a health support service.
What if my child missed the vaccine because they were sick or absent?
If your child missed their vaccination at school, arrange a catch-up as soon as possible. Some schools will offer catch up clinics. If not, contact your GP or pharmacist to arrange the vaccination.
What happens to my child’s information?
The information on the Consent Form is kept private under NSW and Commonwealth laws. It will be added to the NSW Health immunisation register and the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). This helps link it to your child’s immunisation history, which can be viewed on MyGov.
Where can I find more information about school vaccination?
You can find more details: