MENINGITIS VACCINES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN NEW ZEALAND

 There are a number of meningococcal vaccines which protect against different strains of meningococcal disease but none of them provide long-term protection.

The vaccines listed below tend to last around 5 years. Even if you have been immunised in the past you may still not be protected against the disease. It’s important therefore that you’re aware of the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease, and seek medical advice quickly if you’re concerned.

In most cases the following vaccines are recommended but NOT funded by the government.

Although, meningococcal disease can affect anyone, teenagers and young adults living closely with others (eg, in boarding schools or university halls of residence), are at high risk and should be vaccinated to protect against meningococcal disease. 

  • Menactra®/MenQuadfi is free for people aged 13 to 25 years who, within the next 3 months will be living, or are in the first year of living in:

    • boarding school hostel

    • university hall of residence

    • military barracks

    • prison.

    People with high risk medical conditions

    Regardless of whether there is an outbreak or not, the vaccine is recommended for people with high-risk medical conditions. Menactra/ MenQuadfi, NeisVac-C® and Bexsero® are free for people who:

    • are having or have had their spleen removed (splenectomy)

    • are HIV positive

    • are undergoing or have had an organ transplantation

    • have had stem cell/bone marrow transplantation

    • have had immunosuppression for longer than 28 days

    • are a close contact of someone with meningococcal disease.

  1. Meningococcal B

All babies in New Zealand can be immunised against pneumococcal disease as part of their FREE childhood immunisations at 6 weeks, 5 months and a booster dose at 12 months.

Since 2018, the vaccine BEXSERO has been approved for use in NZ. (This is different to the MeNZB vaccine used in NZ from 2004 - 2008 to treat a specific outbreak of disease.)

Dependent on age, people need 2 to 3 doses to be fully protected. Cost is $150 per dose.

 2. Meningococcal  A C W & Y

There are two conjugate vaccines approved for use in NZ - Menactra/ MenQuadfi and NIMENRIX. Menactra/ MenQuadfi is approved for those aged nine months to 55 years. NIMENRIX is approved for those aged 6 weeks to 55 years. Cost is approx. $150 per dose for those who do not qualify for free vaccine (see above). Age will determine how many doses are required.

If you would like to discuss any of these vaccinations or your immunisation history, please contact our nursing team on 04 471 2161.