Meningococcal vaccines in Australia: a 2019 update

Following the prominence of cases of meningococcal disease across the country, NCIRS staff members Dr Ketaki Sharma, Dr Clayton Chiu and Associate Professor Nicholas Wood developed an update on the disease, including risk factors, incidence and vaccine recommendations. 

Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis(N. meningitidis). There are 13 serogroups. Meningococcal disease is most commonly caused by serogroups A, B, C, W and Y.

The article published in Australian Prescriber provides insight into the safe and effective vaccines available for the prevention of meningococcal disease and suggests health professionals should look out for at-risk patients and discuss vaccination options with them. 

Read the full article here.