| posted on September 22, 2017
GREAT Southern teenagers aged 15 to 19 years are encouraged to get the free meningococcal ACWY vaccine to help protect them and others against the life-threatening disease.
As a result of the recent increase in serogroup W disease in WA, a statewide meningococcal ACWY vaccination program for teenagers has commenced.
WA Country Health Service’s Kathleen Smedley said meningococcal disease is an uncommon, life-threatening illness caused by a bacterial infection of the blood or the membranes that line the spinal cord and brain.
“The vaccine will help protect teenagers against meningococcal, and minimise the spread of the disease,” Ms Smedley said.
Meningococcal disease is most common in teenagers and young children, but can occur at any age.
In the Great Southern, the school-based immunisation team has offered vaccination to students in year 10, 11 and 12 at all high schools across the region.
Vaccinations are now available from local doctors for those 15 to 19 year olds who missed out at school or do not attend school.
For those not in the program’s age group, the meningococcal vaccine can be purchased from your doctor.
Vaccinations are also available at the Warden Avenue immunisation clinic, which is open at various times on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays via appointment.
