The Australian Government makes some vaccines free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
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:
Up to 10% of meningococcal infections can be fatal, even with appropriate antibiotic treatment. Survivors may be
left with long-term complications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Meningococcal ACWY vaccine should not be given to people who:
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.
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.
The vaccine may contain trometamol, sucrose, sodium chloride, sodium acetate, and water. These ingredients are added in tiny amounts to help the vaccine work or preserve it.
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.
This vaccine is recommended for:
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.
Side effects are usually mild. They may include:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
You can find more details: