ROBERTSON URGES MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINE
Published Sunday, 09 July, 2006 at 03:00 PM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
Health Minister Stephen Robertson has urged parents to vaccinate their children against meningococcal C after the national vaccination program was extended until June 2007.
Mr Robertson said the vaccination program – a joint initiative of the Australian and State Governments – was originally due to finish in June 2006.
“This means that all Queenslanders born on or after 1 January 1984 – the most at-risk age group – will be eligible to receive the free meningococcal C vaccine,” he said.
Mr Robertson said while many young people in Queensland had been vaccinated against the meningococcal C strain, it was important as many people as possible were protected.
“In 2005, 75,977 children, adolescents and young adults received free meningococcal C vaccines from GPs and other vaccination service providers,” he said.
“I strongly encourage eligible people to take advantage of the free vaccine for the meningococcal C strain particularly, as Queensland is heading into the peak season for meningococcal disease.”
Mr Robertson said meningococcal disease was uncommon, with the majority of cases generally reported during winter and early spring.
“There have been 33 cases of the meningococcal disease in Queensland so far this year,” he said.
“Awareness and vaccination are our best weapons against this rare but life-threatening disease.
“The most important thing the community can do is to be aware of symptoms and seek prompt medical attention if meningococcal disease is suspected.”
Senior Medical Officer Dr Frank Beard said meningococcal disease mostly occurred in young children and young adults, however adults of any age might also develop the disease.
“Early symptoms of the disease may include vomiting, high temperature, headache, a rash and discomfort when looking at bright lights,” Dr Beard said.
“Younger children and babies may refuse feeds, be irritable, be difficult to wake or develop a high pitched irritable cry.
“It is important to remember that not all of these symptoms may appear or appear at the one time.
“While vaccination is an important measure, parents should remember that the meningococcal C vaccine does not protect against all strains of the disease so vigilance for symptoms is still needed.”
9 July 2006
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680
Mr Robertson said the vaccination program – a joint initiative of the Australian and State Governments – was originally due to finish in June 2006.
“This means that all Queenslanders born on or after 1 January 1984 – the most at-risk age group – will be eligible to receive the free meningococcal C vaccine,” he said.
Mr Robertson said while many young people in Queensland had been vaccinated against the meningococcal C strain, it was important as many people as possible were protected.
“In 2005, 75,977 children, adolescents and young adults received free meningococcal C vaccines from GPs and other vaccination service providers,” he said.
“I strongly encourage eligible people to take advantage of the free vaccine for the meningococcal C strain particularly, as Queensland is heading into the peak season for meningococcal disease.”
Mr Robertson said meningococcal disease was uncommon, with the majority of cases generally reported during winter and early spring.
“There have been 33 cases of the meningococcal disease in Queensland so far this year,” he said.
“Awareness and vaccination are our best weapons against this rare but life-threatening disease.
“The most important thing the community can do is to be aware of symptoms and seek prompt medical attention if meningococcal disease is suspected.”
Senior Medical Officer Dr Frank Beard said meningococcal disease mostly occurred in young children and young adults, however adults of any age might also develop the disease.
“Early symptoms of the disease may include vomiting, high temperature, headache, a rash and discomfort when looking at bright lights,” Dr Beard said.
“Younger children and babies may refuse feeds, be irritable, be difficult to wake or develop a high pitched irritable cry.
“It is important to remember that not all of these symptoms may appear or appear at the one time.
“While vaccination is an important measure, parents should remember that the meningococcal C vaccine does not protect against all strains of the disease so vigilance for symptoms is still needed.”
9 July 2006
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680