Sixty thousand teenagers and young adults across South Australia will be offered free vaccinations against the deadly meningococcal B as part of a statewide study.
The study is being led by the University of Adelaide in partnership with SA Health, with vaccinations to be available to students in participating schools across South Australia during 2017 and 2018.
"South Australia has had the highest rate of meningococcal disease in Australia since 2012, with more cases in adolescents than infants. It is vital we learn more about the disease and the benefits of vaccinating against meningococcal B," associate professor Helen Marshall said.
With about 88 per cent of all meningococcal cases in SA found to be the B strain, the study and vaccination program has the support of Health Minister Jack Snelling.
"In South Australia, we've seen the devastating consequences of meningococcal disease - and particularly the B strain - too many times this year, so studies like these are critical in trying to tackle this disease," Mr Snelling said.
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