Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacterial infection and can lead to serious illness. It is uncommon in NSW, and occurs more often in winter and spring. Infants, small children, adolescents and young adults are most at risk. Early treatment is vital.
There has been an increase of cases of invasive meningococcal disease caused by serogroup W in Australia. Evidence from Australia and overseas suggests that meningococcal disease caused by serogroup W is more severe than other circulating serogroups.
National details on the increase of serogroup W is available from the Australian Government Department of Health.
In response to this evidence, NSW is implementing the NSW Meningococcal W Response Program as part of the NSW School-based Vaccination Program.
