The vaccination program was launched to combat increasing numbers of meningococcal cases across Victoria compared with five years ago. In 2017, there were 89 cases of meningococcal across the State. This is up from 78 cases in 2016, and 56 cases in 2015.
There have already been eight cases diagnosed in Victoria in 2018 (as of 16 March 2018) with this number expected to rise. The majority of these cases are accounted for by increasing numbers of the previously rare ‘W’ and ‘Y’ strains of meningococcal disease.
One in 10 meningococcal cases are fatal, with death potentially occurring within a matter of hours after diagnosis. Two in every 10 people who survive meningococcal are left with a permanent disability, often losing fingers, toes or limbs1.
Young people aged 15 and 16 years old are at a greater risk of carrying and spreading meningococcal bacteria, as one in five carry it in the back of their throats and can pass to family members and friends. The best way to protect young people, and the wider community, is through the free and safe vaccination on offer.
