Latest news with #Meningococcal
West Australian
a day ago
- Health
- West Australian
WA Health authorities confirm ninth case of meningococcal in 2025 as the adult recovers in hospital
Health authorities have confirmed an adult has been diagnosed with meningococcal B. WA Health said the adult is currently recovering in hospital from the uncommon but life-threatening illness. Meningococcal is caused by a bacterial infection in the blood or membranes that line the spinal cord and brain. The five most common strains are A, B, C, W and Y. The bacterium is present in droplets from the nose and throat when coughing or sneezing but is not spread by saliva and does not survive more than a few seconds in the environment. Nine cases of meningococcal have been reported this year, seven of which were type B, one type Y, and another unconfirmed. Last month, WA Health reported the type Y case, an older adult, had died. It was the first death related to the disease this year. There are two types of meningococcal vaccine available, one for MenACWY and another for MenB. The MenACWY vaccine is free for children at 12 months. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children can have the MenACWY jab as early as six weeks, as well as the MenB vaccine for free up to age two. The MenB jab is also free for other children with specified medical conditions. It follows a sustained push from advocacy groups and the Opposition for the State Government to fund the MenB vaccine. At present, two doses of the jab in WA costs between $320 to $350 outside of specified groups.
Perth Now
a day ago
- Health
- Perth Now
WA hit with ninth meningococcal case in 2025
Health authorities have confirmed an adult has been diagnosed with meningococcal B. WA Health said the adult is currently recovering in hospital from the uncommon but life-threatening illness. Meningococcal is caused by a bacterial infection in the blood or membranes that line the spinal cord and brain. The five most common strains are A, B, C, W and Y. The bacterium is present in droplets from the nose and throat when coughing or sneezing but is not spread by saliva and does not survive more than a few seconds in the environment. Nine cases of meningococcal have been reported this year, seven of which were type B, one type Y, and another unconfirmed. Last month, WA Health reported the type Y case, an older adult, had died. It was the first death related to the disease this year. There are two types of meningococcal vaccine available, one for MenACWY and another for MenB. The MenACWY vaccine is free for children at 12 months. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children can have the MenACWY jab as early as six weeks, as well as the MenB vaccine for free up to age two. The MenB jab is also free for other children with specified medical conditions. It follows a sustained push from advocacy groups and the Opposition for the State Government to fund the MenB vaccine. At present, two doses of the jab in WA costs between $320 to $350 outside of specified groups.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
US Immigrant Visa: A quick guide concerning vaccination requirements
Did you know that immigrant visa applicants are required to obtain certain vaccinations prior to the issuance of an immigrant visa? Yes, this is in accordance with the US Immigration Law. The applicants will need to meet certain requirements in terms of proof of vaccinations. As part of the medical examination process for immigrant visa applicants, US immigration law mandates that individuals receive a list of specific vaccines, unless it's determined by a physician that one or more of them are medically inappropriate for you. For more clarity and details, visit: Vaccination requirements . Why vaccines are required The goal of this vaccination requirement is to help protect public health in the United States. Vaccines help prevent the spread of communicable diseases, especially in a global movement of people. To ensure compliance, panel physicians, the authorised doctors who perform immigration medical exams, are tasked with verifying that each applicant has received the required vaccinations. According to current US immigration policy, the following vaccinations are among those that may be required: Hepatitis A and B Influenza Influenza type b (Hib) Measles Meningococcal Mumps Pneumococcal Pertussis Polio Rotavirus Rubella Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids Varicella (Chickenpox) The specific vaccines you'll need depend on factors such as your age, medical history, current health condition, and vaccination records. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Emergency Generators in Arismar: (Prices May Surprise You) Emergency Generator | Search Ads Search Now Undo Read more: Which country has the most leopards? A look at global numbers What you should bring to the medical examination To avoid unnecessary delays, all immigrant visa applicants are advised to bring their complete vaccination records when attending the medical examination. If you're not sure where to find your immunisation history, start by contacting your regular healthcare provider. If you don't have a vaccination record, don't worry, the panel physician will work with you to determine which vaccines you may still need and whether any exemptions apply. For example, in some cases, a medical waiver may be issued if a vaccine is not considered appropriate for you. Who decides what's medically appropriate? Only the panel physician assigned to your case can decide whether any vaccine is medically suitable for you or whether it may be skipped. This determination is based on US guidelines and public health standards, as well as your individual medical circumstances. Read more: Top 9 Countries with the Cleanest Air in the World (WHO 2025 Report) For more information For more details, including technical vaccination guidelines used by panel physicians, applicants are encouraged to refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website and review the Panel Physician Technical Instructions for Vaccination.
The Age
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Age
Stacey lost her son to meningitis. Here's what she wants you to know
While the classic symptoms of meningococcal, the bacterial infection that causes meningitis, are a rash and a sore neck, not every patient experiences them. Other symptoms include fatigue, fever, joint pain, light sensitivity, vomiting and nausea. In young children, irritability, difficulty walking and high-pitched crying may also indicate a serious infection. Young children, teens and young adults are considered to be at greater risk of the disease, which is spread person to person, partly because of lifestyle habits including sharing items from food and drinks with young children to vapes and make-up with teens. Deep throat kissing is also considered a common way to pass the disease from one person to another. Loading Meningococcal usually causes meningitis, an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Treatment is via intravenous antibiotics but even with rapid treatment between five and 10 per cent diagnosed with the disease do not survive. Those who recover may suffer from hearing loss, brain damage or loss of one or more limbs. Karen Quick, chief executive of the Meningitis Centre Australia says meningococcal cases are on the rise this year with overall cases now at 58 nationally. Of those, 44 have been identified as the meningococcal B strain. Meningococcal vaccines for the A, C, W and Y strains are free to babies over the age of six months and teens between the ages of 14 and 16 years under the National Immunisation Program. However, only people with specific conditions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders under two years of age have access to free vaccinations of meningococcal B. While Brayden had received the ACWY vaccine, he had not been vaccinated for the strain that took his life at the age of 23. Meningococcal B vaccines cost between $100 and $150, with three shots required for babies and two for teenagers. When you factor in the cost of a doctor's visit, Quick says it can amount to between $400 and $600 per patient. The NSW Department of Health website advises that vaccination is still the best way to prevent the disease spreading. However, Stacey believes most parents think that their children are already immunised. 'Ninety per cent of people I speak with don't know,' she says. While her long-term goal is to push government to provide free vaccines – she is the face of 'B the change for Brayden' campaign – she says an awareness campaign is vital, particularly for young people Brayden's age. 'I would like to see a strong advertising campaign, particularly for that age group of 18 to 23 because it is quite scary,' she says. 'We need something aimed directly at that group. They are in situations where there are a lot of drinks and vapes and lipsticks being shared and they need to be aware.' The Commonwealth Department of Health is responsible for funding the National Immunisation Program with vaccines put through a rigorous assessment process before being included in the scheme. When contacted by this masthead, the office of the NSW Health Minister noted that the risk of contracting meningococcal is one in 200,000. In relation to the request for free vaccines, a spokesperson for the NSW Government provided the following statement: 'The NSW Health Minister has written to the Federal Minister for Health proposing that he request Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to re-assess the inclusion of meningococcal B vaccine in the National Immunisation Program (NIP).' For Stacey Chater and her family, change can't come soon enough. Despite the cost, they have all been vaccinated for Meningoccocal B. 'I still can't believe this has happened,' she says. 'It changes your life forever. The thing that keeps me going now it to raise awareness.' If you are worried about meningococcal disease you can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).
Sydney Morning Herald
15-07-2025
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
Stacey lost her son to meningitis. Here's what she wants you to know
While the classic symptoms of meningococcal, the bacterial infection that causes meningitis, are a rash and a sore neck, not every patient experiences them. Other symptoms include fatigue, fever, joint pain, light sensitivity, vomiting and nausea. In young children, irritability, difficulty walking and high-pitched crying may also indicate a serious infection. Young children, teens and young adults are considered to be at greater risk of the disease, which is spread person to person, partly because of lifestyle habits including sharing items from food and drinks with young children to vapes and make-up with teens. Deep throat kissing is also considered a common way to pass the disease from one person to another. Loading Meningococcal usually causes meningitis, an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Treatment is via intravenous antibiotics but even with rapid treatment between five and 10 per cent diagnosed with the disease do not survive. Those who recover may suffer from hearing loss, brain damage or loss of one or more limbs. Karen Quick, chief executive of the Meningitis Centre Australia says meningococcal cases are on the rise this year with overall cases now at 58 nationally. Of those, 44 have been identified as the meningococcal B strain. Meningococcal vaccines for the A, C, W and Y strains are free to babies over the age of six months and teens between the ages of 14 and 16 years under the National Immunisation Program. However, only people with specific conditions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders under two years of age have access to free vaccinations of meningococcal B. While Brayden had received the ACWY vaccine, he had not been vaccinated for the strain that took his life at the age of 23. Meningococcal B vaccines cost between $100 and $150, with three shots required for babies and two for teenagers. When you factor in the cost of a doctor's visit, Quick says it can amount to between $400 and $600 per patient. The NSW Department of Health website advises that vaccination is still the best way to prevent the disease spreading. However, Stacey believes most parents think that their children are already immunised. 'Ninety per cent of people I speak with don't know,' she says. While her long-term goal is to push government to provide free vaccines – she is the face of 'B the change for Brayden' campaign – she says an awareness campaign is vital, particularly for young people Brayden's age. 'I would like to see a strong advertising campaign, particularly for that age group of 18 to 23 because it is quite scary,' she says. 'We need something aimed directly at that group. They are in situations where there are a lot of drinks and vapes and lipsticks being shared and they need to be aware.' The Commonwealth Department of Health is responsible for funding the National Immunisation Program with vaccines put through a rigorous assessment process before being included in the scheme. When contacted by this masthead, the office of the NSW Health Minister noted that the risk of contracting meningococcal is one in 200,000. In relation to the request for free vaccines, a spokesperson for the NSW Government provided the following statement: 'The NSW Health Minister has written to the Federal Minister for Health proposing that he request Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to re-assess the inclusion of meningococcal B vaccine in the National Immunisation Program (NIP).' For Stacey Chater and her family, change can't come soon enough. Despite the cost, they have all been vaccinated for Meningoccocal B. 'I still can't believe this has happened,' she says. 'It changes your life forever. The thing that keeps me going now it to raise awareness.' If you are worried about meningococcal disease you can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).
