Meningococcal Vaccine Now Available

Supplies of meningococcal vaccine are now available in Bass Coast Shire.

By Bass Coast Shire - 20th January 2003 - Back to News

Supplies of meningococcal vaccine are now available in Bass Coast Shire. The local immunisation program will follow the national recommended program, which gives priority to the groups in the community who are at the highest risk of contracting the disease.

Carl Gheller, Environmental Health Officer with Bass Coast Shire Council, said that Council’s immunisation nurses will be visiting students in years 10, 11 and 12 during the first half of the year with students in year 10 receiving both the diphtheria and tetanus and meningococcal vaccines. Students in years 11 and 12 will receive the meningococcal C vaccine only.

"People aged 15 to 19 who are not at school or in a tertiary institution can be vaccinated by visiting their GP or at one of Council’s free immunisation sessions," said Carl.

Carl said that children turning one will be eligible on their birthday and will receive the vaccine at one of Council’s free immunisation sessions at the same time as they are immunised for measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B.

"Children who turn two, three, four or five during 2003 are eligible to be immunised immediately at one of Council’s immunisation sessions or by visiting their GP," said Carl. Children aged six to 14 years will be vaccinated at school during 2003-04 and 2004-2005.

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Robert hall, said meningococcal disease was very difficult to diagnose in the early stages as the telltale signs may not be initially evident.

Council’s next free immunisation sessions will take place at the following times and venues:

Coronet Bay Community Hall -Thursday 13 February, 10.30 – 11.00am
Phillip Island Heritage Centre - Tuesday 11 February, 10.00 – 11.30am
San Remo Recreation Centre - Tuesday 11 February, 1.30 – 2.00pm
Wonthaggi Senior Citizens Centre - Tuesday 18 February, 9.30 – 11.30am
Inverloch Community Centre - Tuesday 18 February, 1.30 – 2.00pm

For more information about immunisations, contact Council’s Environmental Health Unit on 5951 3311 or 5671 2211.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com