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Meningococcal Disease in Fiji

26 March 2018

On 23 March 2018, the Ministry of Health in FijiLink declared an outbreak of meningococcal disease. There have been 18 cases from 1 January to 21 February 2018.

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.

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.

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.