Free meningococcal vaccine is on offer for those aged 15 to 19 years – the age group most at risk of catching and spreading the deadly disease.
Sunbury and Macedon Ranges residents aged 15 to 19 years can receive free vaccine to protect against the potentially fatal meningococcal W strain.
Year 10, 11 and 12 students at schools in Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges can be immunised at school as part of the state’s school-based vaccination program.
Young people from 15-19 who do not attend local schools can be vaccinated by contacting Macedon Ranges council on 5422 0333 or Hume council (Sunbury) on 9205 2200.
The number of people infected by the meningococcal W strain has risen in recent years.
Victoria experienced 48 cases in 2016, up from just 17 in 2015 and four in 2014.
Macedon Ranges community safety manager Anne-Louise Lindner said that while the disease was rare, adolescents were the people most at risk.
“National immunisation experts have identified teenagers are at increased risk and more likely to spread the disease to others due to their social habits and close contact in schools and other group environments,” she said.
Meningococcal bacteria are passed from person to person through close contact.
