About Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal disease progresses very rapidly. Deaths can occur in as little as a few hours.

The disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. The most common strains worldwide are A, B, C, W and Y.

Since the introduction of the national meningococcal C vaccination program in 2003, cases of MenC disease have significantly declined, with no reported cases in Australia in 2022.^[1] Similarly, the rollout of MenACWY vaccination programs in 2017 and 2018 has led to a marked decrease in MenW and MenY cases.^[1] 

Currently, MenB is the leading cause of meningococcal disease in Australia, accounting for 83% of cases in 2022—the highest proportion recorded since 2008–2009.^[1] To combat this, state-funded MenB vaccination programs have been introduced in South Australia since 2018, Queensland from 2024, and the Northern Territory from 2025.

Meningococcal Disease Symptoms

People with meningococcal disease can become extremely unwell very quickly.

After being infected, it usually takes between 1–10 days for symptoms to appear.^[4]

The possible symptoms are: sudden onset of fever, rash of red-purple pinpricks or bruises, headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, muscle aches, cold hands and feet, confusion, irritability, joint pain, nausea and vomiting.^[3]

How Meningococcal Disease Spreads

Meningococcal bacteria are only found in humans and are not easily spread as the bacteria do not survive well outside the human body.^[5]

Meningococcal disease is transmitted by close, prolonged household and intimate contact. The spread of the disease is through the infected secretions from the back of the nose and throat. 

About 1 in 10 people can have meningococcal bacteria in their throat or nose.^[6] These very rarely cause illness but can be transmitted to others who are more susceptible and cause illness in them.

Teenagers have the highest carriage rates, peaking in 19-year-olds, and so play an important role in transmission.^[7]

Meningococcal Disease Complications

Some people may experience permanent brain damage, and 1 in 10 may die.^[8] 

1 in 5 people who recover may have lingering health problems such as:^[8]

• Skin scarring
• Limb deformity
• Limb loss
• Deafness
• Impaired vision
• Learning difficulties^[9]

Lachlan’s story (2024)

A parent’s perspective (2024)

Sumeyra’s story (2018)

Sumeyra contracted Meningococcal disease, a sometimes life-threatening illness when she was 20 years old. She had to be placed in a medically induced coma. Luckily Sumeyra survived, but she still suffers from the effects of Meningococcal disease today.

Meningococcal Disease Prevention

Quadrivalent meningococcal disease vaccine protects against strains A, C, W and Y. It is part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and is free for

• children aged 12 months
• adolescents between 14-16 years of age (year 10 equivalent)
• adolescents between 15 – 19 as part of the catch-up program
• For people with specified medical risk conditions that increase their risk of meningococcal disease

Vaccine is also available as a private prescription for:

• some travel destinations, occupations and medical conditions
• anyone wanting to protect themselves or their family from these strains of meningococcal disease(available for anyone over 6 weeks of age)^[10]

Meningococcal B vaccine is free on the NIP for:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months.
• At 6 months for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children with specified medical risk conditions. 
• For people with specified medical risk conditions that increase their risk of meningococcal disease.

Meningococcal B vaccine is also available on private prescription for:

• infants, young children, adolescents, young adults living close together, some medical conditions and occupations
• anyone wanting to protect themselves or their family from this strain of meningococcal (available for anyone over 6 weeks of age)^[10]

Meningococcal B Vaccine Programs

Meningococcal C vaccine is free on the NIP for:

• adolescents aged 10 – 14 years under the catch-up program

Meningococcal C disease is now very well controlled with only a handful of cases per year.^[11]

Meningococcal Disease Treatment

If meningococcal disease is suspected, an antibiotic (usually penicillin) is given immediately by injection. People with meningococcal disease are almost always admitted to hospital and may require admission to an intensive care unit.

More Meningococcal Disease Information

Watch: Video featuring Professor Robert Booy