Meningitis vaccines

What vaccines are available to us to help protect us against the different types of meningitis? And what ones are part of the vaccine schedule?

Scheduled vaccinations

Pneumococcal vaccines are part of the schedule for 3 months, 5 months, and 15 months.

Pneumococcal bacteria is carried in the back of the throat and is passed on by coughing and sneezing. Many people carry the bacteria without developing the disease.

If pneumococcal becomes invasive, that means it enters the bloodstream. This can cause sepsis and meningitis.

Since this vaccine is part of the schedule it is government funded.

Non-scheduled vaccines

Nimenrix is a vaccine that protects against meningococcal disease caused by neisseria meningitidis A, C, Y, and W.

Nimenrix is $132 and it is recommended to have three doses.

There is now a vaccine for meningococcal disease type B, called Bexsero. This was not available at the time my husband Chris fell ill with meningococcal disease in 2017.

B

Bexsero is $150 plus doctors fees per vaccine.

It is recommended to get 2 or three doses. It is best to talk with your doctor about what is right for you.

I have collected this information from free information available online. As always, please consult a doctor about what is right for you. I am not a medical practitioner, my goal is to bring awareness to meningitis and the vaccines available to us. Prices may vary from region to practice. It is always best to consult your doctor to get accurate advice and prices.

For more information see:

meningococcal disease govt

immunisation govt

Or contact your healthcare professional

Thanks for reading friends, I hope this was informative! See you next time.

My husbands story