Take 5: An update on the meningococcal vaccine

1 minute read


A surge in W and Y strains of meningococcal has led to the introduction of a new vaccination program


A surge in two serotypes of meningococcal in Australia has led to the introduction of a new vaccination program, says Professor Robert Booy, chair of the Immunisation Coalition.

Meningococcal disease is caused by half a dozen serogroups, which are described by the sugar which coats the meningococcus.

“We had a C serogroup surge in the early 2000s and we introduced a highly effective vaccine for that,” says Professor Booy.

While meningococcal C is now very rare, there has been an increase of serotypes W and Y across Australia since 2013.

Professor Booy says babies, teenagers, and older adults are most at risk of contracting the W and Y serotypes of the disease.

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