Teens, get your meningococcal vaccine

WITH six meningococcal cases diagnosed in the Geelong region in the past 12 months, the state government is urging teenagers aged 15-19 years old to get the free vaccination ahead of summer.

The arrival of the warmer weather heralds the peak time for meningococcal disease, which can be spread through close social contact such as kissing, coughing, or sneezing.

Young people and smokers are particularly at risk.

Protection against the disease takes up to two weeks after receiving the vaccination, and young people aged 15-19 years old and parents of teenagers in this age group are reminded to contact their GP or local council before December 31 to receive the vaccination.

Across Victoria, five people have died from meningococcal this year and 74 cases have been diagnosed (as of October 27) compared to 52 cases for the same time last year.

So far this year, 24 cases in regional Victoria have been diagnosed compared to 15 cases at the same time in 2016.

There have been six cases of meningococcal diagnosed in the Barwon South West region – one in the Colac Otway, Warrnambool and Surf Coast council areas and three in Greater Geelong.

One in five young people in the 15-19 year age group carry the bacteria, which can be easily passed on to other family members and friends.

In 10 per cent of cases, meningococcal disease proves to be fatal with death occurring within 24-48 hours of diagnosis. Of those who survive the disease, 20 per cent of people are left with a permanent disability such as brain damage or the loss of fingers, toes or limbs.

“It’s important to note that this free meningococcal vaccine is different to the one given to young children and protects against four strains of the deadly disease, which are all on the rise,” deputy chief health officer Dr Brett Sutton said.

For health advice, phone NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24, or 000 in an emergency.

To find out more about the vaccinations, head to betterhealth.vic.gov.au/menvax, or follow Better Health Channel on social media.