Latest news with #MenACWY
West Australian
24-06-2025
- Health
- West Australian
WA Health issues meningococcal warning as one adult recovers in hospital with the bacterial infection
One case of meningococcal has been confirmed in WA in the past week, health authorities say. WA Health said an adult was diagnosed with meningococcal serogroup B and is recovering in hospital on Tuesday. This is the sixth case reported in WA in 2025. Five of the six cases of meningococcal in WA this year have been type B. Meningococcal disease is uncommon, but can quickly become life-threatening if the bacterial infection gets into the bloodstream or the membranes that line the spinal cord and brain. But it's not easily spread from person to person. The bacterium is in droplets from the nose or throat and is usually spread by coughing or sneezing during close or prolonged contact. While about 10-20 per cent of the population carry the bacteria in the back of the nose or throat at any given time, meningococcal bacteria don't survive more than a few seconds in the environment. Symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease can include high fevers, chills, headaches, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, or severe muscle and joint pain. Authorities say it is harder to detect in very young children, so fever, pale or blotchy complexion, vomiting, lethargy (inactivity), poor feeding and a rash are important signs. There are several strains, or serogroups, of meningococcal. The most common are types A, B, C, W and Y. A combined vaccine for A, C, W and Y strains is free via the National Immunisation Program for all children aged 12-months, but the immunisation to protect against the B strain is not. Aboriginal children can access the MenACWY vaccine as early as six weeks and up to 12-months due to its higher prevalence among the First Nations population. They can also receive the MenB vaccine up to two-years-old. There were 13 meningococcal cases in WA in 2024, and one death. For more information, visit HealthyWA .
Perth Now
24-06-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
WA records sixth meningococcal case for 2025
One case of meningococcal has been confirmed in WA in the past week, health authorities say. WA Health said an adult was diagnosed with meningococcal serogroup B and is recovering in hospital on Tuesday. This is the sixth case reported in WA in 2025. Five of the six cases of meningococcal in WA this year have been type B. Meningococcal disease is uncommon, but can quickly become life-threatening if the bacterial infection gets into the bloodstream or the membranes that line the spinal cord and brain. But it's not easily spread from person to person. The bacterium is in droplets from the nose or throat and is usually spread by coughing or sneezing during close or prolonged contact. While about 10-20 per cent of the population carry the bacteria in the back of the nose or throat at any given time, meningococcal bacteria don't survive more than a few seconds in the environment. Symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease can include high fevers, chills, headaches, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, or severe muscle and joint pain. Authorities say it is harder to detect in very young children, so fever, pale or blotchy complexion, vomiting, lethargy (inactivity), poor feeding and a rash are important signs. There are several strains, or serogroups, of meningococcal. The most common are types A, B, C, W and Y. A combined vaccine for A, C, W and Y strains is free via the National Immunisation Program for all children aged 12-months, but the immunisation to protect against the B strain is not. Aboriginal children can access the MenACWY vaccine as early as six weeks and up to 12-months due to its higher prevalence among the First Nations population. They can also receive the MenB vaccine up to two-years-old. There were 13 meningococcal cases in WA in 2024, and one death. For more information, visit HealthyWA.
Health Line
18-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
When to Get Your Teen Vaccinated for Meningitis
Meningitis spreads easily in places like schools and dorms, where teens often spend time in close contact. Keeping up with vaccinations can help your teen stay protected. Meningitis is a serious condition that causes swelling in the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Early symptoms like high fever and severe headache can often look like a cold or the flu, making it easy to miss. The most common causes of meningitis are viral and bacterial infections. Other less common causes include fungi, parasites, or certain medications and illnesses. Viral meningitis is the most common type, but bacterial meningitis tends to be more serious. It can progress quickly and lead to severe complications or even death. One of the leading causes of bacterial meningitis in teens and young adults in the United States is Neisseria meningitidis, a type of bacteria. Vaccines can help protect against this infection. Knowing which ones are recommended and when can help you stay one step ahead. Types of vaccines Meningitis vaccines target specific serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two main types for teens and young adults. MenACWY (meningococcal conjugate vaccine) protects against the four serogroups A, C, W, and Y. This vaccine is given in two doses: the first dose at age 11 or 12 years, and a booster at age 16 years. Many colleges require proof of the MenACWY vaccination, typically within 5 years before starting school. The CDC also recommends the MenACWY vaccine for people as young as 2 months old who are at higher risk for meningococcal disease. MenB (serogroup B meningococcal vaccine) protects against the B serogroup. It's typically given in a two-dose series, starting between the ages of 16 and 18 years. A booster may be given 1 year later and then every 2 to 3 years after for those who remain at risk. While any teen can get the MenB vaccine, the CDC especially recommends it for preteens and teens at increased risk due to health conditions or community outbreaks. For teens who need protection against all five major serogroups, the FDA approved a single-dose vaccine called Penbraya. This pentavalent vaccine covers serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y in one shot. The CDC recommends it for people ages 10 to 25 years who are due for both MenACWY and MenB at the same visit. When to get vaccinated The key to the meningitis vaccines is to make sure that your teen gets them at the right time. The CDC recommends giving meningococcal vaccines at specific ages to offer the strongest protection during high risk years. MenACWY The MenACWY vaccine recommended guidelines: Ages 11 to 12 years: All preteens should get their first dose of the MenACWY vaccine during this time. Age 16 years: A booster dose is recommended to maintain protection through late adolescence and into college. If the first dose happens after age 16 years: A booster isn't needed. However, earlier vaccination is recommended to help protect teens during their high school years. College students: First-year students living in dorms or shared housing should get vaccinated if they missed it earlier or didn't get a booster. Age 2 months and up (for those at higher risk): MenACWY may be recommended earlier for children with certain health conditions, such as a weakened immune system or a damaged or missing spleen. MenB The MenB vaccine is recommended for: Ages 16 to 18 years: This is the recommended age for the MenB vaccine. Most teens will receive a two-dose series at this time, spaced several months apart, depending on the brand. Ages 16 to 23 years: The vaccine is approved for anyone in this age group. Teens can still get vaccinated later if they haven't already. Ages 10 years and up (for those at higher risk): The MenB vaccine may be recommended for children with certain health conditions, such as immune system disorders or a damaged spleen, or during community outbreaks. If you're unsure whether your teen needs the MenB vaccine, talk with their doctor to help decide what's right for them. How long does protection last? Meningitis vaccine protection doesn't last forever. Research has found that its effectiveness can decrease over time. A 2021 study found that MenACWY effectiveness dropped to around 61% between ages 3 and 8 years after the initial dose. That's why a booster at age 16 years is recommended even if your teen was vaccinated as a preteen. MenB protection doesn't last as long as MenACWY. The CDC notes that antibody levels begin to decline within 1 to 2 years after completing the primary MenB vaccine series. Is it too late to get vaccinated? The answer to this question isn't so clear-cut. If your teen hasn't been vaccinated yet or had their first dose years ago, there's still time to catch up. This is especially important for older teens heading to college, where shared housing and close contact can increase the risk of exposure. Adults can also get vaccinated if their doctor recommends it. Certain situations, such as having a spleen removed, joining the military, or traveling to countries where meningococcal disease is more common, may require added protection. What happens if you skip a vaccination? Skipping the meningitis vaccination doesn't necessarily mean that your teen will develop the condition. But it does leave them more vulnerable to a fast-moving and potentially life threatening infection. Vaccination is the best defense against bacterial meningitis, which tends to be more aggressive and serious than other types. Antibiotics can treat bacterial meningitis, but they work best when given early, as symptoms can progress quickly. Other forms of meningitis are harder to treat. Antivirals may help in some cases of viral meningitis. But for mild viral meningitis, rest and monitoring are usually all that's needed. Symptoms typically go away on their own within 7 to 10 days. Antifungals and other medications can be used for other less common forms of meningitis, such as fungal and parasitic types. But they're typically only used after the infection has already taken hold.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sanofi (SNY)'s MenQuadfi Becomes First MenACWY Vaccine Approved for Ages 6 Weeks and Up
The U.S. FDA has approved an expanded indication for Sanofi (NASDAQ:SNY)'s quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine, MenQuadfi, now allowing its use in children as young as 6 weeks old. Previously approved for individuals aged 2 years and older, MenQuadfi by Sanofi (NASDAQ:SNY) becomes the only MenACWY vaccine available for people from 6 weeks of age with no upper age limit. The vaccine protects against invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W, and Y, a critical step, as infants are at the highest risk for IMD, which can be rapidly fatal. A closeup of a vial of the biotechnology company's vaccines. The new dosing schedule includes a 4-dose series for infants starting at 2, 4, 6, and 12–18 months, and a 2-dose series for those 6–23 months, with a single dose for those 2 years and older. Clinical trials involving over 6,000 participants demonstrated MenQuadfi's safety and strong immune response, comparable to other licensed vaccines. Sanofi (NASDAQ:SNY)'s vaccine is supplied as a ready-to-use liquid in single-dose vials, streamlining administration. This expansion comes amid a recent rise in U.S. meningococcal disease cases, particularly serogroup Y, which MenQuadfi covers. The CDC's Advisory Committee is expected to discuss implementation recommendations next month. While we acknowledge the potential of SNY to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than SNY and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this READ NEXT: and Disclosure: None.
Perth Now
23-05-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Stay safe: Six diseases to protect yourself against
Living in WA, we're lucky to have strong protection against numerous infectious diseases, giving us a safety net that shields us from some real nasties. But what exactly are these diseases, and why should you care? Here's a rundown of six diseases that West Aussies can be protected from: HPV is a highly contagious virus that can cause a range of health issues, from genital warts to certain cancers, including cervical cancer. It can be transmitted through sexual contact or even small cuts in the skin. The HPV vaccine, offered free to Year 7 students across WA, is recommended for everyone before they become sexually active. Getting vaccinated early ensures strong protection against these serious health risks. Meningococcal disease is one you don't want to mess with. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis and can lead to severe infections such as meningitis and septicaemia (a serious bloodstream infection). It spreads easily, especially in close quarters, so getting vaccinated is a no-brainer, particularly for teens and young adults. In WA, we've got vaccines for the B and ACWY strains, which offer solid protection against these life-threatening infections. The MenACWY vaccine is free for all children aged 12 months and for all Year 10 students. Catch up programs are also available for people under the age of twenty. Aboriginal children and those with medical risk conditions can also get the MenB vaccine for free. The flu—sounds harmless, right? But influenza can be a real headache, especially for the elderly, young kids, and those with chronic health conditions. The annual flu vaccine is a must for all West Aussies aged six months and older to keep the flu at bay and is recommended to help reduce the risk of flu and its complications. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can lead to chronic liver disease and even liver cancer. Hepatitis B is spread via blood and other bodily fluids. Examples include from mum to baby at birth or from person to person when sharing needles, sexual contact or through contact with open wounds. The hepatitis B vaccine is part of the standard immunisation schedule for infants (which is free) and is also available for adults at risk. Whooping cough is a nasty, easily spread respiratory disease that's known for causing severe, uncontrollable coughing fits. It's particularly dangerous for infants and young children, who can have serious complications such as bacterial pneumonia, seizures, inflammation of the brain, or even death. The vaccine is given to babies, with boosters recommended for: those who have not had the vaccine in the past 10 years; parents when they are planning a pregnancy; for other adult household members, grandparents and carers of infants under 12 months of age; and for adults working with young children, especially health care and childcare workers. Protecting the littlest West Aussies is key, and the vaccine is the best way to do it. Measles is a highly infectious viral illness known for its distinctive red rash. It spreads through airborne droplets and remains active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours. It primarily affects the respiratory system, often leading to serious complications like pneumonia or encephalitis (brain inflammation). The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles and is part of the routine immunisation schedule for children, helping to maintain community immunity and prevent outbreaks. While the measles is not so common in Australia, it is still very prevalent in Europe and other holiday destinations. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent these serious diseases. West Aussies are encouraged to stay up to date with their immunisations to protect themselves and their community, especially if travelling overseas. For more information about vaccination programs and to schedule your immunisations, visit the WA Health Immunisation website . Stay informed, stay protected, and keep our community safe!
