Meningococcal

What is pneumococcal disease? Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can live harmlessly in the throat of healthy people, ...

If you have missed the dose you can can access it for free from a GP. Meningococcal B vaccine is provided free under the National Immunisation Program for Aboriginal children up to two years of age and people with certain medical conditions. But because vaccines do not protect against all strains of meningococcal disease, people must be aware of symptoms and seek help if needed. The adolescent dose is delivered via the NSW School Vaccination Program in year 10. Meningococcal ACWY vaccine is provided free under the National Immunisation Program in two doses to babies at 12 months of age, and again for adolescents aged 15-19 years, as well as people with certain medical conditions. The telltale rash differs from other rashes by not disappearing when gentle pressure is applied to the skin, nit not everyone with meningococcal disease will get a rash or it may appear very late in the disease progression. Leg pain, cold hands and abnormal skin colour can also occur. If you have seen a doctor but symptoms worsen, you should consult your doctor again or go to the Emergency Department. Patients with meningococcal disease need urgent treatment with antibiotics, often before diagnosis is confirmed. Adults can also be vaccinated against pneumococcal, with a free vaccine available to those aged 70 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 50 and over and anyone aged 15 to 49 who has heart, kidney or lung disease, asthma, diabetes, are immuno-compromised or are heavy drinkers or smokers. A vaccine is available free for all children at six weeks, four months and 12 months as part of the child immunisation schedule, while children with some serious medical conditions are also given an extra dose at six months. Meningococcal disease is a serious illness that usually causes meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and/or septicaemia (blood poisoning). People can become extremely unwell very quickly. Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, type A, B, C, W and Y. Between 5 and 25 per cent of people carry the bacteria at the back of the nose and throat without showing any illness or symptoms. Invasive pneumococcal disease commonly presents as meningitis (infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord), pneumonia (infection of the lungs) or septicaemia, the latter of which occurs when bacteria enters the bloodstream, causing blood poisoning and sepsis - a life-threatening illness that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death.