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Meningococcal vaccines available at Council immunisation sessions

‘Meningitec’ will be available at Latrobe City Council from April 2002

By Latrobe City Council - 26th March 2002 - Back to News

A new conjugated, meningococcal serogroup C vaccine, launched in February by Wyeth Australia Pty Limited, called ‘Meningitec’, will be available at Latrobe City Council immunisation sessions from April 2002.

Latrobe City’s Health Services Leader, Andrew Mackintosh, said the vaccine is not currently subsidised by the government and is not on the vaccination schedule, however Council is offering the vaccine at a cost of $65 per dose.

"Infants from 0 to 4 years and young adults from 15 to 24 years are those most at risk from Meningococcal, a life threatening disease which generally peaks in the winter months," Mr Mackintosh said.

Mr Mackintosh said there are a number of different strains or ‘serogroups’ of the meningococcal bacteria, but in Australia, strains B and C are by far the most common, with strain C resulting in a higher death rate. In 2000, 388 cases of the disease were recorded in Australia resulting in twenty-five deaths (9%).

"The disease is spread by bacteria found in the nose or throat of healthy children and adults. It is spread by close contact, and through simple actions like sharing drinks or kissing, which causes an infection of the fluid around the brain and spiral cord, or blood poisoning, and is characterised by a purple-red rash," Mr Mackintosh said.

"Infants under 12 months of age require three doses with the first dose given no earlier than 6 weeks of age and with an interval of at least one month between doses. Persons more than 12 months of age require only one dose," Mr Mackintosh added.

Persons wishing to access the Meningitec vaccine from Council, are requested to make payment and complete a consent form at any of Council’s Citizen Service Centres prior to vaccination. For further information, contact Council’s Health Services Unit, telephone 1300 367 700.


Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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