Confusion remains over meningococcal disease among Tasmanian parents

Tasmanian parents are among the most aware in the country of meningococcal disease, but confusion remains over vaccination of the different strains, new research shows.

TASMANIAN parents are among the most aware in the country of meningococcal disease, but confusion remains over vaccination of the different strains, new research shows.

Released today, an awareness survey revealed 14 per cent of Tasmanian parents were not aware of the disease — the equal lowest rate in the country alongside Northern Territorian parents.

But, 38 per cent were not aware that different strains of meningococcal require different vaccinations.

The survey, commissioned by healthcare company GSK Australia, took place in September last year while Tasmania was in the midst of a meningococcal outbreak.

(AAP Image/ Sam Mooy)

In the second half of last year, there were 10 recorded cases of meningococcal in the state. There were five cases of W strain — including the death of 16-year-old Sarah Rose Beltz in July — one case of Y strain and four cases of B strain.

Seven of the cases were in the South, two in the North and one in the North-West.

On average, Tasmania has about six cases of meningococcal disease annually.

Meningococcal B is the only common strain of the disease that isn’t part of a vaccination program, with the recommended doses costing up to $470 per person on a private prescription.

The State Government continues to fund a free meningococcal ACWY jab for all Tasmanians aged between six weeks and 21 years.

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As of late last year, more than 90,000 people had received the free jab.

Launceston GP Leanne Jones said confusion about the two different vaccines was still prevalent.

“It’s a very complicated scientific thing why there can’t just be one vaccine for all strains — it’s very unlikely that there will ever be one jab to cover them all,” Dr Jones said.

“It’s lucky we’ve been able to develop one vaccine to cover the ACWY strains.”

Dr Jones said there were now plenty of the free jabs available, after concerns of a shortage were raised last year.

She urged the public to remain aware of early symptoms, which can include fever, severe headache, severe muscle pain, and quickly becoming unusually unwell. Late in the illness, there can be a rash.

Tasmanian parents and meningococcal awareness:

* 14 per cent were not aware of the disease

* 38 per cent were not aware that different strains of meningococcal require different vaccinations

* 49 per cent were not aware the National Immunisation Program does not immunise against all vaccine-preventable strains of meningococcal

* 58 per cent were not aware the Government does not fully subsidise vaccination for all vaccine-preventable strains of meningococcal