The state government has extended its free meningococcal vaccination program for Year 10 students in Victoria after a spate of outbreaks in the past year.
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The vaccination program was launched to combat the increasing numbers of meningococcal disease across Victoria in the past five years.
The Department of Health and Human Services says 89 cases of meningococcal were diagnosed in 2017. Of these 89 cases, six were fatal.
Department figures show that of these 89 meningococcal cases, 28 cases were in regional Victoria with seven cases in the Grampians region.
Cases have also been diagnosed in Hepburn Shire, with one case diagnosed in 2017 and another the previous year in 2016.
The figures show a stark rise from the 78 cases diagnosed across Victoria in 2016 and the 56 cases diagnosed in 2015.
So far this year, eight cases of meningococcal have been recorded in Victoria. Health experts expect this number to rise as the peak season for meningococcal disease approaches.
Young people aged 15 and 16 years old are at the greatest risk of carrying and spreading meningococcal bacteria.
One in five people of this age carry the bacteria in the back of their throats, meaning it is possible for them to pass it on to family or friends.
Meningococcal disease can cause the inflammation of the membrane covering the brain (meningitis), the inflection of the blood (septicaemia) and severe infections in joints, throat, lungs and intestines.
One in 10 cases of meningococcal disease is fatal, with death occurring within 24 to 48 hours of diagnosis.
Two in every 10 people who survive the disease are left with a permanent disability such as brain damage or the loss of fingers, toes or limbs.
Deputy Chief Health Officer, Dr Brett Sutton, said ensuring that young people are vaccinated is essential in protecting the wider community from the deadly disease.
“The meningococcal ACWY vaccine safely protects against four strains of meningococcal disease, the increasingly common ‘W’ and ‘Y’ strains as well as the ‘A’ and ‘C’ strains,” he said.
The vaccination is available until December 31 at scheduled school immunisation sessions, local council community immunisation sessions and from the GP.
