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Meningococcal Disease, Meningitis in Western Australia

31 July 2017

The Western Australia Health Department has reported an increase in meningococcal disease according to ABC. Link There have been 5 cases in July 2017 out of a total of 15 this year. In 2016, 23 cases were reported.

Advice to Travellers

  • Risk of infection for most travellers is very low (particularly for package tourists).
  • Risk is increased if travelling to a region with ongoing epidemic where close, prolonged contact with local population anticipated.
  • All travellers should be aware of the risk of meningococcal disease, its transmission routes and symptoms and advised to avoid overcrowded areas.
  • Specific vaccination requirements for travellers attending Hajj and/or Umrah pilgrimage are published by the Saudi Ministry of Health. Certificates of vaccination are a visa requirement for these travellers.

When to consider vaccination

Vaccination should be considered under the following circumstances and is dependant on the individual risk assessment:

  • Travel to region with a current outbreak/ongoing epidemic where close, prolonged contact with local population anticipated particularly in overcrowded areas.
  • Travel to a high endemic region for individuals with immunodeficiency including asplenia.
  • Travel to the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage; Note that a certificate of vaccination is required for such pilgrims.

Vaccination

Information also available in DH Green Book. This book is produced by the JCVI (Joint Committee for Vaccines and Immunisations). Their guidance may vary slightly from that of the manufacturers but should be followed by UK practitioners.

  • Travellers should be vaccinated using a quadrivalent vaccine to protect against the most likely serotypes encountered during travel, A, C, W-135 and Y.
  • Vaccination against serogroup B only is part of the British Vaccination Schedule and is offered to all children at 2, 4 and 12-13 months.
  • Vaccination against A, C, W-135 and Y is given as part of the British Vaccination Schedule at around 14 years.

Meningococcal vaccine for travel is not remunerated by the NHS as part of additional services but can be given either under NHS or Private provision. See Vaccine Charges for further information.