NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard has announced a $9 million state-wide free immunisation program for teenagers against the meningococcal W strain.
The $100+ vaccine, which also covers meningococcal A, C and Y, will protect year 11 and 12 students from what has been called an aggressive "hypervirulent" strain of the meningitis-causing organism.
The 17 and 18 year-old demographic, believed to be comprised of around 180,000 individuals, is at greater risk of contracting the disease because of their closeness to peers through social behaviour such as kissing and sharing cigarettes.
Those who have left school at that age can access the vaccination free of charge from their GP.
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