Initally the free vaccine was only available for Aboriginal children, but will now be available to all children. 

The vaccination will also be rolled out in Katherine schools from mid-November for all students in year 7 to year 12.

Centre of Disease Control director Vicki Krause said to date all cases of meningococcal W in the Northern Territory have been in Aboriginal people.

“We are expanding the program to all children one to 19 years old in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine, together with all those aged one to 19 years in the remote communities of the Katherine region.”

“It is important to stress that our efforts must continue in those groups most at risk; who are those children aged one to 19 years in remote communities in Central Australia and Katherine regions and urban Aboriginal children in Alice Springs, Katherine and Tennant Creek.  

There have been 29 reported cases of meningococcal W in Central Australia, with the last case on October 17.

All cases have been in the Aboriginal population with the majority being aged between one and 10 years.

Dr Krause said prioritising those most at risk of getting meningococcal W disease and working to stop the spread has been the aim of the outbreak response.

“The community-controlled Aboriginal health organisations and the NT Department of Health staff, along with those living in communities, have done a fantastic job in achieving high vaccine coverage rates in much of the high-risk population areas,” Dr Krause said. 

“These efforts have limited the outbreak, but we need to maintain our vigilance and continue our response and look to the next step. It is time now to vaccinate those in the lower risk group.”

Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but very serious disease.

It is treatable with antibiotics but the infection can progress very quickly. It is important for people to be aware of the symptoms and to seek medical advice early for either themselves or children in their care if they have any concerns.

Symptoms may include fever, headache, neck stiffness, an aversion to bright lights, a rash and joint pain. Those affected may also have vomiting and diarrhoea, be difficult to wake up and babies may refuse food and drink and have a high pitched cry.

“The meningococcal W bacteria continues to be carried by healthy people in Australia, in fact we know that the meningococcal bacteria are estimated to live in the nose and throat of about 10 per cent of the population at any one time,” Dr Krause said.

“The meningococcal ACWY vaccine works to stop the carriage of the ACWY meningococcus germs from those people who are carrying them  and also to protect persons from getting sick with meningococcal disease.”

The vaccine will be available free for all young people aged one to 19 years in Alice Springs, Barkly and Katherine Regions.

Details regarding the meningococcal ACWY vaccine availability: