In response to the emergence of a severe strain of meningococcal W, and increases in the number of invasive meningococcal disease cases caused by this strain from 2016, NSW Health implemented the Meningococcal W Response Program. The program aimed to provide protection against meningococcal serogroups A, C, W and Y to adolescents by delivery of the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine via the NSW School Vaccination Program.
From 2019 the adolescent dose of Meningococcal ACWY vaccine was added to the National Immunisation Program (NIP). This dose continues to be delivered in NSW via the School Vaccination Program to all students in year 10. Those aged 15 to 19 years who are not enrolled in school or miss out on their dose at school are still able to access free vaccine under the NIP via their GP.
For more information on meningococcal disease and meningococcal disease vaccination for adolescents and other children please see: