More teens across the western suburbs will be better protected against meningococcal with the extension of a free vaccination program.
The statewide meningococcal vaccination program for Year 10 students is available until December 31.
There were 27 meningococcal cases diagnosed over the past 12 months in the Northern and Western Metropolitan region, which covers Melton and Moorabool.
The state’s deputy health chief Dr Brett Sutton said that the majority of these cases had contracted the previously rare ‘W’ and ‘Y’ strains of the meningococcal disease.
“The meningococcal ACWY vaccine safely protects against four strains of meningococcal disease, the increasingly common ‘W’ and ‘Y’ strains as well as the ‘A’ and ‘C’ strains,” Dr Sutton said.
“Ensuring eligible young people are vaccinated is essential in protecting the wider community from this deadly disease.”
Acting health minister Martin Foley the program would enable families to feel confident in the health and safety of their children.
The free program is available at scheduled school immunisation sessions, local council community immunisation sessions and from GPs.
