Lily's Story

Lily narrowly survived but lost her kidneys and adrenal glands. After nine months on dialysis, she received a kidney donation from her sister, Grace. Today, she is a strong voice for immunisation and organ donation and wants all adults to protect against vaccine preventable diseases.

The disease and protection:

Meningococcal disease a medical emergency and may cause serious illness and death.

Definition: Meningococcal is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis.

Symptoms: Fever, headache, stiff neck, light sensitivity, vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness or confusion, reddish or purple spotted or bruise-like rash may appear in the late stage of the disease.

Prevention: Vaccination is the best protection. Meningococcal can occur at any age. Infants, small children, adolescents, and young adults are most at risk. Vaccination is the best protection.

Access: Vaccination for A, C, W and Y strains of IMD are available in one vaccination through GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services, pharmacies, community health centres and immunisation clinics. Vaccination is free for those eligible including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, special risk groups, babies and adolescents through the National Immunisation Program (NIP)

Vaccines not funded by the national program, including B strain of meningococcal, may be funded under state and territory government immunisation programs. Check the current immunisation schedule for the state or territory where you live for more information.

Meningococcal is a vaccine preventable disease.