Meningococcal in Australia: What nurses need to know

As of the most recent figures, there have been 86 cases of invasive meningococcal disease in Australia so far this year, compared with 136 for all of last year, and 143 the year before (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing [DoHDA], 2025c).

It is a highly dangerous disease: meningococcal infections were responsible for 249 deaths in Australia between 2003 and 2022 (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2025).

Meningococcal B is the dominant strain, accounting for 83 per cent of all cases nationally (AIHW, 2025). With infections most common during the winter and early spring months, it is essential that nurses remain alert to the risks (DoHDA, 2025a; NSW Health, 2024).

What is meningococcal?

Meningococcal is a communicable disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus), a gram-negative encapsulated bacterium (NCIRS, 2024; WHO, 2024). There are five common strains which include: Men A, Men B, Men C, Men W and Men Y (DoHDA, 2025a; Meningitis Australia, 2021). It commonly presents as meningitis, causing severe scarring, loss of limbs, sepsis and mortality (Department of Health and Immunisation Coalition, 2025; DoHDA, 2025a; NSW Health, 2024).

This disease can progress rapidly and is associated with significant complications, especially among children and adolescents. (Bertrand-Gerentes et al., 2023). It is transmitted via the nose and throat and spreads through close, prolonged household and intimate contact (Immunisation Coalition, 2025).

What are the signs and symptoms?

The signs and symptoms consist of:

• a sudden fever,
• rash (petechial, purpuric or maculopapular),
• headache,
• neck stiffness,
• photophobia,
• change in level of consciousness,
• cold hands,
• joint pain,
• nausea and vomiting (Bertrand-Gerentes et al., 2023; DoHDA, 2025a).

Who is vulnerable?

The most vulnerable groups susceptible to meningococcal ACWY are infants and children under five, along with adolescents aged 15 to 24 (Immunisation Coalition, 2025). Additionally, other individuals at higher risk for this communicable disease include immunocompromised people, laboratory workers who handle Neisseria meningitidis, and young adults who live in close quarters or are current smokers (DoHDA, 2025).

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged up to 19 years old and immunocompromised people, are more susceptible to meningococcal B (Immunisation Coalition, 2025).

Can meningococcal be prevented?

Vaccination is the most effective preventative mechanism against meningococcal disease. The two main vaccines available in Australia are meningococcal ACWY and meningococcal B vaccines (DoHDA, 2025b).

• The meningococcal ACWY vaccine is provided free to infants at 12 months, adolescents in high school (ages 14-16), and individuals with specific medical conditions.
• The meningococcal B vaccine is available for free to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples up to 19 years old and those with certain medical conditions (DoHDA, 2025b; NCIRS, 2024; NSW Health, 2024).

What is the role of nurses in preventing the spread of meningococcal disease?

Nurses have a central role in educating patients about these vaccines and the importance of adhering to the National Immunisation Program schedule, especially among adolescents and young adults who often have lower vaccination adherence (Herrera-Restrepo et al., 2023). Through vaccination, nurses help create herd immunity, which protects the entire community. Nurses should also be aware that older patients may have unusual symptoms and consider testing them for the disease (Immunisation Coalition, 2025).

Interested in becoming a nationally authorised nurse immuniser?

To learn more about protecting your patients against vaccine-preventable diseases, the Australian College of Nursing offers the HESA-approved 347 National Immunisation Program. This course is recognised nationally and allows you to practice as an authorised nurse immuniser. Click here to learn more and take your next step in your nursing career.