New meningitis vaccine released

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."

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