Meningococcal B Immunisation catch up program Expires 31 Dec 2019 **Extended for 17-21 year olds**
Please check if your child is eligible, now is the time to book before funding runs out.
What is the program?
The State Government funded Meningococcal B (MenB) Immunisation Program commenced on 1 October 2018 and provides free meningococcal B vaccinations for eligible children and young people in South Australia.
Why has this program been introduced?
South Australia has the highest rate of meningococcal B disease in Australia. Young children, particularly those less than 2 years of age, have the highest incidence of invasive meningococcal B disease. The second highest at risk group are those aged between 15 and 20 years. Meningococcal B vaccine is recommended for these age groups as they are at increased risk of invasive meningococcal B disease.
Who is eligible for the program?
To be eligible for the program, children and young people must be residents of South Australia, have a Medicare card and be within the age groups below:
- The ongoing childhood program is offered to those aged 6 weeks to 12 months.
- A childhood catch-up program is available for those who were aged from 12 months to less than 4 years of age at the commencement of the program on 1 October 2018. The childhood catch-up program will end on 31 December 2019.
- Students in Years 10 and 11 will be offered vaccination as part of the 2019 School Immunisation Program. The Year 10 program will be ongoing. The catch up program for Year 11 students will end on 31 December 2019.
- The catch-up program for those aged 17 to less than 21 will be available from their usual immunisation provider. This catch-up program
will end 29th Feb.
How many doses of vaccine are needed?
- All children up to 12 months of age receive 3 doses of Bexsero® (GlaxoSmithKline) vaccine (2
primary doses and a booster dose). - All those from 12 months of age receive 2 doses of vaccine.
- A minimal interval of 2 months is needed between all primary doses.
Your immunisation provider should report all Bexsero doses administered to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
Can my baby have the Bexsero with the other scheduled vaccines?
Yes, Bexsero can be safely administered with other National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines, but in a different limb to other vaccines. Your immunisation provider will explain how multiple vaccines can be given in the same visit. You do not need to wait for the usual schedule points to start the course. For example if your child is 5 months old, they can start the course now and receive 3 doses of vaccine in total.
For more information please call your friendly Pro Health Care Nurses. Please make an appointment with your
Pro Health Care GP to have this vaccine administered.
(information from sahealth.sa.gov.au)