Shortage of meningococcal meningitis vaccines looming

Australia is facing a shortage of meningococcal meningitis vaccines.

A report by an expert committee dealing with immunisation issues was delivered to Health Minister Kay Patterson last week.

Senator Patterson says the findings will be taken to Federal Cabinet.

She says by the end of the year, there will be only 200,000 meningococcal meningitis vaccines available in Australia.

"Obviously it's an ongoing issue we need to deal with," Ms Patterson said.

"It has to be taken into account, if you've got a limited amount, who do you vaccinate?

"If you have a vaccine, who do you make that available (to), because even if you vaccinate all children, it's still also an issue in young adults."

The only effective meningococcal vaccine gives protection against the C-strain of the infection.

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