NSW meningococcal vaccination program

UNDER the NSW Meningococcal W Response Program, year 11 and 12 students will receive a four-antigen vaccine which provides protection against the A,C, W and Y strains.

Immunisation experts believe this age group is particularly at risk because of their physical closeness with peers.

State Health minister Brad Hazzard said the Government would do whatever possible to protect young people against the disease.

“The NSW Government is allocating $9 million for this vaccination program in its first year, which will see 180,000 vulnerable teenagers in all high schools eligible to be vaccinated,” Mr Hazzard said.