Immunisations

Free Meningococcal ACWY vaccine for Years 10, 11 & 12

In 2017 the Victorian Secondary School Vaccine Program will offer free meningococcal ACWY vaccine to students in Years 10, 11 and 12. The vaccine provides protection against four strains of meningococcal disease (ACWY) and is administered as a single dose.

Parents/guardians of Year 10, 11 and 12 students should look out for the Meningococcal ACWY Secondary School Vaccine Program consent card coming home from school with your child. You need to read the information, complete and return the card regardless of whether your child is being vaccinated at school.

Adolescents are at increased risk of meningococcal disease. Although uncommon, it can become life-threatening, very quickly. There are different strains of meningococcal bacteria known by letters of the alphabet, including meningococcal A, B, C, W and Y. In recent years, the meningococcal W strain has increased across Australia, with Victoria experiencing 11 cases to date in 2017 and 48 cases in 2016, compared to 17 cases in 2015, four in 2014 and one in 2013. It is now the predominant strain in Victoria.

To learn more about meningococcal disease, the meningococcal ACWY vaccine and how you can prepare your child for vaccination, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au or immunehero.health.vic.gov.au

Kathryn Middleton

Associate Principal