Tahlea's Story

She was placed in a coma and the agonising wait began for her devastated parents. Over the next months she endured limb amputations and has had dozens of other surgeries in her long recovery. Today, she lives with brain damage that has caused developmental delay and cerebral palsy, among other lifelong consequences of the disease.

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.