http://abc.net.au/news/scitech/2002/10/item20021021084823_1.htm
Tue, Oct 22 2002 8:12 AM AEST
|
|
|
A new vaccine against meningococcal meningitis is now available in
Australia.
The Menjugate vaccine protects against the C-strain of the infection, which is
responsible for about one third of meningococcal meningitis fatalities in
Australia.
The Federal Government announced a national vaccination program for children
aged between one and 15 against the C-strain earlier this year.
However, a worldwide shortage of the vaccine has restricted the number of
immunisations.
Dr Jenny Royal from Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital says the introduction
of the new vaccine will enable vaccinations to resume immediately.
"This new meningococcal vaccine and the other two brands of conjugate lasts for
many, many years, they give long term protection [against] this devastating
disease," she said.
"We can confidently say there is no shortage of the new meningococcal vaccine
and we're delighted that families need this vaccine can go and purchase the
vaccine."
 Print
 Email |
ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND
MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS
OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR
LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND
COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH
YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.