This post is not the latest immunisation update and therefore may contain information or advice that is out of date. Please see our most recent update here.
On 28 November, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced it would start using a new preferred term, “mpox”, as a synonym for monkeypox and urged others to follow suit after receiving complaints that the current name for the disease was racist and stigmatising. Both names will be used simultaneously for one year while “monkeypox” is phased out.
Providers are encouraged to check that patients are up to date with meningococcal vaccinations. Children under five and 15 to 25-year-olds are at the greatest risk of contracting the disease.
In NSW there have been 29 cases of meningococcal disease reported in NSW so far in 2022, and a second death due to meningococcal B disease occurred in NSW in a man in his 20s last week.
Meningococcal disease is a rare, but serious and sometimes fatal infection, and vaccination is the best way to prevent the harmful effects of meningococcal disease.
Meningococcal ACWY vaccine is provided free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for:
Meningococcal B vaccine is provided free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for:
However, all children from six weeks of age can have the Men B vaccine to reduce the risk of infection via private prescription.
For more information on vaccination or symptoms, transmission, risks and treatment of Meningococcal, see the NSW Health website.
COVID-19 resources – UPDATED:
Immunisation Education
COVID-19 response update
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