What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacterium (Neisseria meningitides) and has the potential to kill, or maim, within hours of the first appearance of symptoms. The disease can be caused by several groups (strains) of the meningococcal bacteria so you will often hear the name followed by letters including A, B, C, Y and W-135.
70% of Meningococcal cases in NZ are caused by group B.
There are vaccines available in NZ for both sets of strains.
Meningitis (A,C,W,Y) – Vaccines Nimenrix or Menactra (depending on availability)
1 vaccine required only. No booster has been recommended at this stage.
Can be given from 9 months of age
Cost: $145 per dose plus $20 injection fee.
Meningitis (B) – Bexsero Vaccine
The number of vaccines and boosters is age dependant.
Cost: $155 per dose plus $20 injection fee.
Infants 2 months to 5 months of age at time of first dose: 3 doses 4 weeks apart. A booster dose is recommended in the 2nd year of life with an interval of at least 6 months between the primary series and booster dose.
Infants 6 months to 11 months of age at the time of the first dose: 2 doses 8 weeks apart. A booster dose is recommended in the 2nd year of life with an interval of at least 2 months between the primary series and booster dose.
Toddlers 12 months to 23 months of age at the time of the first dose: 2 doses 8 weeks apart. The need for a booster dose has yet to be established.
Children 2 years to 10 years of age at the time of the first dose: 2 doses 8 weeks apart. The need for a booster dose after this has yet to be established.
Adolescents and adults from 11 years of age at the time of the first dose: 2 doses 4 weeks apart. The need for a booster dose after this has yet to be established.
Please Note: We have been notified by the supplier that due to increase in demands for these vaccines there is limited stock. If you want to pre order any of the above vaccines please call and speak with our Practice Nurse and we will add you to our waiting list. To ensure allocation, to the vaccines, prepayment for the full course will be required at the time of booking.