What is Meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is a rare but severe infection that occurs when meningococcal bacteria invade the body from the nose or throat.

Meningococcal bacteria are carried in the nose and throat of a small proportion of healthy people (about 10 percent) and are spread through close prolonged contact. The bacteria are more commonly found in teenagers and young adults. There are a number of different strains of meningococcal bacteria.
Worldwide, the main strains that cause meningococcal disease are A, B, C, W and Y.

Most people with meningococcal infection fully recover, but some people can develop long-term health complications including limb deformity, skin scarring, deafness and possible loss of brain function.

Queensland MenB Vaccination Program

The Queensland MenB Vaccination Program provides free meningococcal B (menB) vaccines to eligible Queensland infants, children and adolescents. Our Immunisation clinics offer vaccination against Meningococcal B.

Who should be immunised against Meningococcal?

The following Queenslanders who have not yet started or completed an age-appropriate course of menB vaccination will be eligible for the Queensland MenB Vaccination Program which provides free MenB vaccines:

• Infants, 6 weeks to 12 months of age.
• Catch up vaccination will be offered for children aged over 12 months to less than 2 years.  
• Adolescents aged 15 to 19 years (inclusive).

(It is recommended to administer paracetamol to children less than two years of age approximately 30 minutes before receiving the Meningococcal B vaccine).

Multiple doses may be required and the vaccine can be administered at the same time as other vaccines listed on the National Immunisation Schedule (from six weeks of age). Once vaccination is commenced during the eligibility period, a person remains eligible for their second dose, regardless of age.

The MenB vaccine is also available for purchase for those who are not eligible for funded dose. See Purchasing vaccines. You can discuss your family’s vaccination needs with your immunisation nurse at one of our clinics.

Book an appointment

You can book and manage your vaccination appointment online using VaxApp. You must register and make a booking on the Vaxapp system to ensure you can be seen. While we do accept walk-ins if a clinic has reached capacity, walk-ins will not be able to be seen.

To make a booking, log in or create an account in VaxApp.

Using VaxApp, you can:

• create an account and manage your profile
• book and manage individual and family appointments online
• provide digital consent during the booking process, which reduces wait time when you arrive
• receive reminders about your booking, and future appointment bookings.
• For more information, see Vax App frequently asked questions.
   

Book vaccination appointment

Do you need help?

If you need more information or help making an appointment, email our immunisation team on immunisation@logan.qld.gov.au or call us on 07 3412 3412.