If you are aged 15-19 you are entitled to a free meningococcal vaccine.
No appointment is necessary—just turn up.
When and where?
- Thursday 6 July from 11.30am-3.30pm, Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub, 155 Crook Street, Strathdale
- Tuesday 11 July from 12.30pm-3.30pm, The Green Room, 45 Mundy Street, Bendigo
- Monday 24 July from 12pm-4.30pm Headspace, 78-80 Pall Mall, Bendigo
- Monday 21 August from 12pm-4.30pm Headspace, 78-80 Pall Mall, Bendigo
- Monday 18 September from 12pm-4.30pm Headspace, 78-80 Pall Mall, Bendigo
- Monday 16 October from 12pm-4.30pm Headspace, 78-80 Pall Mall, Bendigo
- Monday 20 November from 12pm-4.30pm Headspace, 78-80 Pall Mall, Bendigo
- Thursday 5 October from 11.30am-3.30pm Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub, 155 Crook Street, Strathdale
Did you know?
- Meningococcal bacteria live in the back of the throat
- Bacteria is passed though prolonged intimate contact, such as kissing
- The disease can progress very quickly and can lead to death or permanent disability
What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is caused when a particular strain of bacteria gets through the lining of the throat and enters a person’s bloodstream. Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, stiff neck or sore muscles, sometimes followed by a red or purple rash. The disease can progress very quickly and can lead to death or permanent disability. Up to 10 per cent of infected people die, even if they are treated with the right antibiotics.
How can you catch meningococcal disease?
The bacteria can only survive outside the body for a few seconds and can be passed from person to person by close and prolonged household or intimate contact, for example deep kissing. Young people are at increased risk of meningococcal disease and more likely to spread the disease to others. You cannot catch meningococcal disease from the environment or animals. The bacteria cannot be picked up from water supplies, swimming pools, buildings or factories.
Who can get the vaccine?
In Victoria, a vaccine to protect against the A, C, W and Y strains of meningococcal disease is free to young people in Years 10, 11 and 12 of secondary school or age equivalent (15 to 19 years) until December 31 2017.
But haven’t I already been vaccinated against meningoccocal disease?
Meningoccocal C is part of the National Immunisation Program and is given to 12 month olds. To combat a recent rise in cases of Meningococcal W disease, the Victorian Government has introduced a free, time-limited vaccine program for young people in Years 10, 11 and 12 in Victoria until December 31 2017.
Details can be found at www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/meningococcal
Meningococcal Q sourced from the Victorian Health Department.
*Information about meningococcal disease sourced from the Victorian Health Department.