Ballarat City Council will deliver free meningococcal W vaccinations to all Year 10, 11 and 12 students from June 2017.
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The immunisation service will visit all secondary schools in the city and Federation University’s, SMB campus and Link Up
Students who miss the vaccination at school can call the call the service on 5320 5850 for an appointment.
People aged 15 to 19, who are not enrolled at a Ballarat City secondary school, are also eligible for the free vaccine.
The meningococcal W vaccine is a four-in-one combined vaccine for protection against meningococcal A, C, W and Y strains with one injection.
Meningococcal is caused by bacteria, and although the disease is uncommon, it can become serious very quickly.
Young people are at increased risk of contracting meningococcal bacteria, which are passed from person to person, by regular, close, prolonged contact.
Presentations of meningococcal W have increased across Australia, with 48 cases in Victoria in 2016.
The meningococcal C vaccine has been offered to all babies at 12 months of age since 2002. Older children were also given the meningococcal C vaccine.