In May 2003, a national, publicly-funded meningococcal C vaccination program for Australian children aged 12 months commenced and has been successful in reducing serogroup C meningococcal disease in all age groups, even those not targeted by the catch-up program. In May 2003, 3 serogroup C meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MenCCV) were funded for inclusion on the Australian National Immunisation Program (NIP) as a single dose to all children aged 12 months. A nationally-funded catch-up program was also undertaken in a phased approach with priority given to the 15/19 years age group. Children aged >5 years were targeted via a school-based program, presenting a number of logistical challenges for some States and Territories where NIP vaccines had generally been administered via a GP. Young adults not in the school system proved difficult to target, resulting in poor coverage estimated to be ~20%. MenCCV coverage in the target age group, 12 months, increased each year since the program introduction. Vaccine coverage at 24 months for one dose of MenCCV was approximately 88% in 2006 and 93% in 2008. Prior to the MenC vaccination program, notified cases (both clinical and laboratory confirmed) had begun to decline in 2001 from ~700 to ~550 in 2003. In 2008 ~280 cases were notified. Laboratory confirmed serogroup C meningococcal cases declined from 162 cases in 2002 to 14 in 2007. There have been 7 vaccine failures reported, 5 of which were in the 2-4 years age group. Herd-effects are evident across all age-groups, including adults not targeted by the program and older adolescents where coverage was low. Serogroup B meningococci now account for ~85% of all laboratory confirmed notifications in Australia. In 2005 substantial legislative changes were introduced in Australia which altered the funding process for vaccines. The quadrivalent conjugate meningococcal vaccines and serogroup B meningococcal vaccines, which are not currently registered for use in Australia, will now be required to meet a number of stringent criteria in order to be funded via the NIP.

Username
Password