Bendigo teens will have access to a free meningococcal vaccine after a recent rise in cases of the potentially deadly illness.
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The Victorian government have temporarily included immunisation against meningococcal strains A, C, W and Y on its vaccine schedule.
Immunisations are available until December 31, 2017.
Meningiccocal bacteria live in the back of the throat and can be spread from one person to another by kissing, coughing an sharing drinks.
“So young people are at particular risk of contracting the disease,” City of Greater Bendigo health and wellbeing director Vicky Mason said.
“The disease can progress very quickly and can lead to death or permanent disability.
“The best way to protect yourself from the disease is to get vaccinated.”
Children who are 12 months old are currently immunised against meningococcal C, as part of the Victorian Immunisation Schedule.
Dates on which the vaccine will be available available are listed below.
- Thursday July 6 11.30am- 3.30pm – Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub, 155 Crook St Strathdale
- Tuesday July 11 12.30pm-3.30pm – The Green Room, 45 Mundy St Bendigo
- Monday July 24 from 12pm-4:30pm – Headspace, 78-80 Pall Mall Bendigo
- Monday August 21 from 12pm-4:30pm – Headspace, 78-80 Pall Mall Bendigo
- Monday September 18 from 12pm-4:30pm – Headspace, 78-80 Pall Mall Bendigo
- Thursday October 5 from 11.30am- 3.30pm – Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub, 155 Crook St Strathdale
- Monday October 16 from 12pm-4:30pm – Headspace, 78-80 Pall Mall Bendigo
- Monday November 20 from 12pm-4:30pm – Headspace, 78-80 Pall Mall Bendigo
Visit www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/meningococcal for more information.
Mark Kearney
Journalist. Traveller. Pop culture connoisseur. Mark is passionate about education, the arts and social justice, especially stories affecting the LGBTI community.
Journalist. Traveller. Pop culture connoisseur. Mark is passionate about education, the arts and social justice, especially stories affecting the LGBTI community.
