What is meningococcal C conjugate vaccine?

MenC-ACYW is a vaccine that protects against types A, C, Y, and W-135 meningococcal disease. It’s given to Grade 9 students to boost protection for type C and to add protection for types A, Y, and W-135 meningococcal disease.

What is Group C meningococcal?

Hib/Men C vaccine The meningitis C vaccine offers protection against a type of bacteria called meningococcal group C bacteria, which can cause meningitis. Babies are offered a combined Hib/Men C vaccine at 1 year of age.

How long is the meningococcal conjugate vaccine good for?

For children under the age of 7 years, administer a booster dose 3 years after completion of the primary series and every 5 years thereafter. For children 7 years old or older and adults, administer a booster dose 5 years after completion of the primary series and every 5 years thereafter.

How do you get meningococcal C?

Meningococcal vaccines are given as a needle, either on their own or as a combination vaccine. They can be provided by recognised immunisation providers. If you’re eligible, you can get the meningococcal vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program.

What does conjugate mean in vaccines?

A conjugate vaccine is a type of subunit vaccine which combines a weak antigen with a strong antigen as a carrier so that the immune system has a stronger response to the weak antigen.

Is meningococcal vaccine necessary?

All children ages 11 through 12 years should receive meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) followed by a booster dose at age 16 years. Vaccination is also recommended for all adolescents ages 13 through 18 years who did not receive a dose at age 11-12 years.

What is the meningitis C vaccine called?

The Hib/MenC vaccine is a single injection given to 1-year-old babies to boost their protection against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and meningitis C.

How many meningitis C vaccines do you need?

The MenACWY vaccine helps protect you against four different causes of meningitis and septicaemia; meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y disease. You only need one dose of the vaccine.

How many meningococcal vaccines are required?

Three primary doses should be given with an interval of 8 weeks between doses, followed by a 4th dose at 12 months age. Medical conditions are specified in List. Specified medical conditions associated with increased risk of invasive meningococcal disease.

What are the first signs of meningococcal?

Symptoms

  • rash of red or purple pinprick spots, or larger bruise-like areas.
  • fever.
  • headache.
  • neck stiffness.
  • discomfort when you look at bright light.
  • nausea or vomiting.
  • diarrhoea.
  • feeling very, very sick.

Is meningococcal disease contagious?

People spread meningococcal bacteria to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit). Generally, it takes close (for example, coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact to spread these bacteria. Fortunately, they are not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or the flu.

Are conjugate vaccines better?

For bacteria with a polysaccharide coating, like Haemophilus influenzae type b, the best way to prevent infection is to use a conjugate vaccine.