THE Victorian government is urging young people to take up an offer to fight an increasingly aggressive disease.
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Free meningococcal disease vaccinations are available to those aged 15-19.
The vaccination is available for free until December 31 and can be accessed through the Warrnambool City Council’s immunisation program or from GPs.
The 15-19 age group is at greater risk, with one in five carrying the bacteria which causes the disease.
Victorian deputy chief health officer Doctor Brett Sutton said getting vaccinated was more important than ever.
“We have seen a significant rise in meningococcal cases over the last 12 months with new strains of the disease causing serious illness and deaths across Victoria,” Dr Sutton said.
“The meningococcal vaccine protects against the now-prevalent W strain of the disease as well as other common and increasing strains. We have made it free to all 15 to 19-year-olds because of the serious nature of the disease. Our hope is that by protecting those most likely to spread the disease, we can protect the rest of the community as well.”
Late winter and early spring are the peak seasons for meningococcal disease and one in 10 cases are fatal, with death occurring within a matter of hours of diagnosis. Of those who survive meningococcal, two in every 10 people are permanently disabled, often losing fingers, toes or limbs.
This year, 48 cases of meningococcal have been recorded in Victoria with four of those ending in death.