What is Meningococcal Disease?
Meningococcal disease is any infection caused by meningococcal bacteria (Neisseria meningitidis). It is uncommon but very serious.
About 10 per cent of the population carry meningococcal bacteria in their throat without becoming unwell. These people are known as ‘carriers’, and they can pass the disease on to someone else.
Meningococcal bacteria are passed from person to person by close, prolonged contact. In a small number of people, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause invasive meningococcal disease.
Bendigo UFS Pharmacies are offering the Meningococcal ACWY vaccination to Members for $92.62 and to non-Members for $102.92. Cost of the meningococcal B vaccination to Members is $152.02 and non-Members $171.95. Payment is required at the time of the vaccine being administered.
Walk-in appointments are currently available at all Bendigo UFS Pharmacies stores for meningococcal ACWY or pre bookings are available too for meningococcal ACWY and meningococcal B. Please note, a walk-in appointment is not guaranteed.
About the Meningococcal Vaccination at Bendigo UFS Pharmacies
Who can receive the Meningococcal vaccine?
Bendigo UFS Pharmacies are able to provide the Meningococcal ACWY and Meningococcal B vaccines.
Meningococcal B vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 2 months, 4 months, 6 months (certain medical conditions) and 12 months.
- People of all ages with asplenia and hyposplenia, complement deficiency and those receiving treatment with eculizumab.
Meningococcal ACWY vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for:
- children aged 12 months
- adolescents aged 14-16 years through school-based vaccination programs.
- People of all ages with asplenia and hyposplenia, complement deficiency and those receiving treatment with eculizumab.
What is the National Immunisation Program and does Bendigo UFS provide the Meningococcal vaccination as part of the program?
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) was set up by the Commonwealth and State and Territory governments in 1997. The program aims to increase national immunisation coverage to reduce the number of cases of diseases that are preventable by vaccination in Australia. Bendigo UFS Pharmacies vaccinations are all eligible for the program and patients are only required to pay a service fee.
Where can I learn more about Meningococcal?
We recommend visiting www.betterhealth.com.au as a great information source. To locate Meningococcal directly visit here.
Page updated August 29 2024
