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Meningococcal C |
Meningococcal is a serious illness with serious complications, including brain damage and death. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential. There are three main types of the disease. While vaccination against the meningococcal C strain will become part of the Australian childhood immunisation schedule in 2003, parents still need to be aware of the early signs of meningococcal infection as the vaccine does not protect against type B, which is more common (but less deadly) in Australia.
All Australian children aged over 12 months to five years will receive free meningococcal C vaccine from early 2003. Also, adolescents aged 15 to 19 years will also be vaccinated in 2003.
Meningococcal disease develops quite rapidly, with people becoming very sick within a matter of hours. Fever, rash and vomiting are common in young adults and children, but young adults may also exhibit headache, drowsiness or confusion-coma, neck stiffness or joint or muscle pain, and dislike of bright lights. Children may also be fretful, refuse feeds, and have difficulty waking, pale or blotchy skin, and a high pitched moaning cry.
While the rash is an important symptom of the disease, it is not always present in the early stages. It may look like blood under the skin, and may go pale with pressure, and look different to the more common viral rashes.
Recognising the symptoms early is vital as early antibiotic treatment is essential.
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Meningococcal C vaccine program extended
Meningococcal health warning
Meningococcal warning
Free meningococcal vaccines for older children & young adults to end
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Meningococcal c vacccination program launched
Now is the peak season for meningococcal disease
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Meningococcal C funding extended
Spike the immunisation echidna visits local childcare centres
High vax rates lead to decline in childhood diseases
New vax program for high school students
Recommended Australian Immunisation Schedule
What are some of the side effects?
Reasons Why People Choose Not to Vaccinate
Meningococcal Disease
Meningitis Research Foundation
Meningitis Trust
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