Victorian Government urges teens to get free meningococcal vaccine

SCHOOLIES have been warned to protect themselves against the potentially deadly meningococcal disease after a 30 per cent spike in the number of Victorian cases this year.

SCHOOLIES revellers have been warned to protect themselves against the potentially deadly meningococcal disease amid a 30 per cent spike in the number of Victorian cases this year.

New data reveals five people have died and another 69 people have been struck down with meningococcal statewide in 2017 — 22 more than this time last year.

MELBOURNE TEENAGER DIES OF MENINGOCOCCAL AFTER VCE EXAMS

CASES OF MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE ON RISE AS FAMILY HONOURS FATHER

Meningococcal causes inflammation of the lining covering the brain, infection of the blood, joints and throat.

Young people and smokers are most at risk of contracting the acute bacterial infection, which is spread through close social contact such as kissing, coughing and sharing a drink or cigarette.

The Victorian Government is offering a free vaccine to teens aged 15 to 19 before students’ end of year celebrations kick off as warmer weather is peak time for meningococcal to spread.

The Victorian Government is urging all teenagers aged 15-19 to get the free meningococcal vaccination ahead of summer.

Mike Rolls, now in his thirties, was 18-years-old when he lost his right leg, left foot, two fingers and part of his nose to the disease.

“I’d never even heard of the disease before I got it,” he said.

“I went off on a footy trip across to Hobart and somewhere along the line I was struck down with Meningococcal disease.

“My injuries were so horrific, I went down from 80kg to 47kg and they gave me a five per cent chance to live.”

Double amputee Mike Rolls contracted Meningococcal in 2001. Picture: Brendan Francis

Mr Rolls is urging all teens to take advantage of the free vaccine as soon as possible, saying no person should have to endure what he did at the prime of their life.

Protection against the deadly disease takes up to two weeks after receiving the vaccination.

Health Minister Jill Hennessy said teens can book an appointment at their GP clinic, school or local council.

“Immunisation saves lives and protects others in the community,” she said.

“With the summer season rapidly approaching and bringing with it more chance for young people to get out and be social, eligible young people should take action and get the free meningococcal vaccine.”

NUMBER OF CASES DIAGNOSED IN 2017 BY AREA

Northern and Western metropolitan — 25

Eastern metropolitan — 7

Southern metropolitan — 17

Barwon South West — 6

Grampians — 6

Loddon Mallee — 3

Hume — 3

Gippsland — 6

MENINGOCOCCAL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Fever

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhoea

Purple rash

Drowsiness

Appetite loss

Discomfort from light

Stiff neck headache

Muscle pain

For more information, visit the Better Health Channel at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/menvax

[e-mail]