Health
Meningococcal B disease
What it is: Meningococcal B is a strain of meningococcal disease that can cause brain damage, limb loss, severe scarring, or death if untreated.
Who is at risk: Children aged <2 years, adolescents aged 15–19 years, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people with certain medical conditions.
Symptoms: Can develop rapidly and include fever, headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea/vomiting, sensitivity to light, cold hands/feet, and confusion.
Spread: Passed from person to person through close or prolonged contact with nose and throat secretions (e.g., coughing, kissing). Teens have the highest carriage rates.
- Vaccination:
- Free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants (2, 4, 12 months) and people with certain medical conditions.
- Free under state-funded programs in SA, QLD, and from 2025, NT (infants, children, and adolescents).
Recommended for all infants, children and adults who want to reduce their risk on Meningococcal B.
Why it matters: People with meningococcal B can become seriously unwell within hours; vaccination is the best protection.
- In WA discuss with your GP - this vaccine is not part of the NIP.
Judy Buckley
College Nurse