THE Federal Health Department has announced the addition of Nimenrix, a new quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine, to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) ahead of the next peak meningococcal season which is expected to take place in the second half of the year.
The new vaccine protects against the A, C, W and Y strains of the disease (MenACWY), Minister for Health Greg Hunt said.
"In recent years we have seen a rise in the number of invasive meningococcal cases in Australia," Hunt explained.
"In 2017, there were 382 cases reported nationally, compared with 252 cases in 2016 and 182 cases in 2015...deaths associated with meningococcal have also risen, with 28 deaths in 2017, compared with 11 deaths in 2016 and 12 deaths in 2015," he added.
Currently, infants aged 12 months are given a single-strain Meningococcal C vaccine.
The announcement today follows the decision earlier last week by PBAC to recommend the listing of Nimenrix for infants aged 12 months of age.
In Mar the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee will also consider the listing of a MenACWY vaccine for adolescents.
The Department of Health has created a public awareness posting at campaigns.health.gov.au.
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