- From 5 years of ageNSW pharmacists can give both the ACWY and the B vaccine from age 5
- Free for some groupsFor some teenagers and for people at higher medical risk
- No appointment neededWalk in Monday to Friday while a pharmacist immuniser is available
ACWY and B are separate vaccines
Five meningococcal serogroups, A, B, C, W and Y, cause most disease, and no single vaccine covers them all. That is why two kinds exist:
- the MenACWY vaccine, covering the A, C, Y and W serogroups
- the MenB vaccine, covering some strains of serogroup B
One does not stand in for the other. NSW Health recommends both vaccines for anyone from 6 weeks of age who wants to protect themselves.
Who the Handbook recommends it for
The Australian Immunisation Handbook singles out these groups among people old enough to see a pharmacist:
- healthy teenagers between 15 and 19, who are advised to have one MenACWY dose and two MenB doses
- 15 to 24 year olds living in close quarters, such as new military recruits and students in residential accommodation
- young adults of that age who currently smoke, since smoking raises the chance of carrying the bacteria
- people with specified medical conditions, including those without a working spleen
- laboratory workers who regularly handle the bacterium
Free meningococcal vaccine in NSW
Under the National Immunisation Program, NSW students are offered MenACWY in Year 10 through the School Vaccination Program. Anyone aged 15 to 19 who missed that dose or is not enrolled in school can get it free from a GP or pharmacist immuniser. Both vaccines are also funded for people with asplenia, hyposplenia, complement deficiency or eculizumab treatment.
Outside those groups, the vaccines are bought privately. Some private health insurers pay a rebate on privately purchased vaccines, depending on your level of cover.
Heading to Mecca or sub-Saharan Africa
Saudi Arabia requires evidence of MenACWY vaccination for Hajj and Umra pilgrims, and the vaccine is also advised for the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa. Entry rules can change, so check the current ones close to departure. Our travel vaccinations page helps with the rest of the trip.
Vaccines do not cover every strain, so stay alert even after vaccination. Warning signs include sudden fever, headache, neck stiffness, a rash of red-purple spots or bruises, and dislike of bright lights. Young children can instead be irritable, hard to wake or refuse food. See a doctor urgently, and call Triple Zero (000) if symptoms become severe.
Meningococcal questions
Will I need a booster later on?
Healthy people who have finished a primary course do not need boosters, according to the Handbook. Regular MenACWY boosters are advised for some higher-risk groups, including people at medical risk, laboratory workers and some travellers.
How does meningococcal disease spread?
The bacteria pass between people in secretions from the back of the nose and throat, generally after close and prolonged contact such as sharing a household or deep kissing. Between 5 and 25 per cent of people carry them without any illness at all.
Should I be vaccinated during pregnancy?
The Department of Health says meningococcal vaccines are not generally recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you are expecting and think you are at risk, talk it through with your GP or obstetrician before coming in.
Browse the full range on our Abermain vaccination services page.
Ask about meningococcal protection
Drop in to Abermain Chemist on a weekday, or phone us, to find out which meningococcal vaccine fits your age, health and plans.