The Queensland MenB Vaccination Program now provides free meningococcal B vaccines to eligible Queensland infants, children and adolescents.

What is Meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is a rare but severe infection that occurs when meningococcal bacteria invade the body from the nose or throat.

Meningococcal bacteria are carried in the nose and throat of a small proportion of healthy people (about 10%) and are spread through close prolonged contact. The bacteria are more commonly found in teenagers and young adults. There are a number of different strains of meningococcal bacteria. Worldwide, the main strains that cause meningococcal disease are A, B, C, W and Y.

Most people with meningococcal infection fully recover, but some people can develop long-term health complications including limb deformity, skin scarring, deafness and possible loss of brain function.

Who is eligible for a free MenB vaccination?

The following Queenslanders who have not yet started or completed an age-appropriate course of menB vaccination will be eligible for the Queensland MenB Vaccination Program:

• Infants, 6 weeks to 12 months of age.
• Catch up vaccination will be offered for children aged over 12 months to less than 2 years.
• Adolescents aged 15 to 19 years (inclusive).

Once vaccination is commenced during the eligibility period, a person remains eligible for their second dose, regardless of age.

Please speak to our reception team to make an appointment.