The response to the Government’s free meningococcal vaccination program expansion has been excellent, but there are still eligible Tasmanians who need to be vaccinated.
The Public Health campaign continues, with a new ad showing on Tasmanian television starting today.
The ad has already been circulating on social media, and features Hobart woman Emma McGrath, whose best friend died from meningococcal disease when she was just 18.
The tragic loss of her friend all those years ago has motivated Emma to take an active role in encouraging eligible Tasmanians to get vaccinated.
Nearly 70,000 doses of the vaccine have been delivered to GPs, pharmacies and councils since the expanded program began more than a month ago in response to a localised outbreak of three meningococcal W cases in Hobart’s northern suburbs.
Public clinics will be held in the North and North-West, however there is no need to wait for a clinic. Eligible Tasmanians can receive their free vaccination from their GP, some pharmacists (for children aged 10 and over), and local council vaccination clinics.
It is extremely important that every Tasmanian aged from six weeks to 21 years gets vaccinated against meningococcal A, C, W and Y. This age bracket is being targeted because they are not only more susceptible to meningococcal disease, they are also more likely to carry the bacteria and transfer it to others in the community.
It remains important to be aware of the symptoms of meningococcal disease such as fever, severe headache, severe muscle pain, and quickly becoming unusually unwell. Late in the illness, there can be a rash. Infants can be lethargic, floppy and feed poorly.
Anyone who is concerned they may have symptoms of meningococcal disease should seek emergency medical care.
